VIDEO: Sneak Peek - Discovery's VOLCANO TIME BOMB, Premiering 12/9

Related: VOLCANO TIME BOMB, Discovery, Previews & Teasers

Volcanoes are one of the most powerful forces on Earth - capable of causing massive destruction for the millions of people who live in their shadow. These giants loom over Portland, Seattle and Vancouver with the potential to cause complete devastation. Last week, Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii erupted with lava flowing into the nearby ocean. Is enough being done to monitor their potential eruptions? And is it actually possible to crack their code and predict when a deadly eruption might occur?

VOLCANO TIME BOMB, airing Sunday, Dec. 9 at 9 PM E/P on Discovery Channel's CURIOSITY series, will take viewers into the heart of a volcano using CGI technology to uncover how they actually work and why they are so difficult to understand. The episode will also show the latest research in the field of volcano eruption forecasting and the scientists who risk their lives to find answers. Get a sneak peek below!

In May 1980, the world watched as Mount St. Helens unleashed its powerful forces and obliterated every living thing in its path. But there is actually another type of volcano, unknown to many, that is thousands of times more powerful than Mount St. Helens. These super volcanoes have the potential to bury most of western North America and dim the sun -- plunging the world into a volcanic winter. "Volcano Time Bomb" looks at how experts are monitoring these powerful forces and the Earth's natural reactions - including ground deformation, gas emissions and earthquakes - to make their predictions about the next big eruption.

"Volcano Time Bomb" is produced by NHNZ for Discovery Channel. CURIOSITY is overseen by Vice President, Development and Production Howard Swartz and Senior Vice President, Development and Production Simon Andreae. To learn more, go to www.discovery.com, on Facebook at Facebook.com/discovery and on Twitter @Discovery. Intel is a presenting sponsor of "Volcano Time Bomb."

About Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel is dedicated to creating the highest quality non-fiction content that informs and entertains its consumers about the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. The network, which is distributed to 100.8 million U.S. homes, can be seen in 210 countries and territories, offering a signature mix of compelling, high-end production values and vivid cinematography across genres including, science and technology, exploration, adventure, history and in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the people, places and organizations that shape and share our world. For more information, please visit www.discovery.com.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.8 billion cumulative subscribers in 209 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 149 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including Revision3. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.