National Public Radio: The eruption of Mount Merapi in Indonesia has residents fleeing as ash, dust and volcanic mud pour out of the mountain. The volcano has showed signs of slowing, but destruction to the communities around it since its first eruption in late October is extensive. (The Big Picture photo blog has some incredible images of the damage.) In addition to the visible releases, volcanoes like Mount Merapi also give off sulfur dioxide, a gas that can have a variety of effects on people and the environment….