Usually, the prevailing south-westerly wind would take the ash cloud away from Europe and over the polar region, but a high-pressure area is bringing it over Europe, where it is sitting and barely moving as the ash spreads.

BBC: Volcano cloud threatens Formula 1 preparations

The effects of retreating glaciers on mountains and in polar regions, deforestation in South America and forest fires across sub-Saharan Africa are also shown in the atlas.

BBC: NEWS | Science/Nature | Changing planet revealed in atlas

PASADENA, California (CNN) -- The summer has warmed up the south of Mars, melting away much of its icy polar cap.

CNN: Summer is 'sublime' in sunny south of Mars

It is in a so-called polar orbit: each turn around Mars takes it over the north and south poles while the planet revolves beneath it.

ECONOMIST: A drought on Mars