What are the motifs in The Control of Nature by John McPhee?

The conflict between man and nature is a recurring idea. An ongoing struggle exists between man and nature to control conditions of life on earth. The struggle becomes intense when an area is more populated or economically valuable. For example, Kilauea is an erupting volcano for several years and has active lava flows. Six lava research camps are consumed by lava. The volcanologists have no attachment to a specific camp. Consequently they just move camp like any early settler.