This relatively minor shift, the model found, still produces enough energy to initiate a wave-like pulse of crystal-shattering snow separation that quickly propagates uphill and leads to a major release of the upper layer.

MSN: How a deadly avalanche can be triggered

SAP's tool, called Gravity, lets users design business processes in Wave, while Novell's Pulse, a stand-alone product that will be released in 2010, will add security features, an improved chat function and live editing of Microsoft Office documents.

ECONOMIST: Monitor

If an aggressor launches a nuclear device of whatever size and detonates it above the atmosphere and in the line of site of its target country, the x-rays and gamma rays emitted by the blast will cause an electromagnetic pulse, or wave a million times stronger than the strongest radio wave.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: An urgent memo to the next government