The Encyclopedia of Volcanoes

by Haraldur Sigurðsson (Editor in Chief), Bruce Houghton (Editor), Hazel Rymer (Editor)

Volcanoes are unquestionably one of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring features of the physical world. Our paradoxical fascination with them stems from their majestic beauty and powerful, sometimes deadly, destructiveness. Notwithstanding the tremendous advances in volcanology since ancient times, some of the mystery surrounding volcanic eruptions remains today. "The Encyclopedia of Volcanoes" summarizes our present knowledge of volcanoes; it provides a comprehensive source of information on the causes of volcanic eruptions and both the destructive and beneficial effects. The early chapters focus on the science of volcanism (melting of source rocks, ascent of magma, eruption processes, extraterrestrial volcanism, etc.). Later chapters discuss human interface with volcanoes, including the history of volcanology, geothermal energy resources, interaction with the oceans and atmosphere, health aspects of volcanism, mitigation of volcanic disasters, post-eruption ecology, and the impact of eruptions on organismal biodiversity.
Provides the only comprehensive reference work to cover all aspects of volcanology Written by nearly 100 world experts in volcanology

Explores an integrated transition from the physical process of eruptions through hazards and risk, to the social face of volcanism, with an emphasis on how volcanoes have influenced and shaped society

Presents hundreds of color photographs, maps, charts and illustrations making this an aesthetically appealing reference

On-line supplement includes additional multimedia

Glossary of 3,000 key terms with definitions of all key vocabulary items in the field is included "

Genres: Geology, Science

1389 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Reader]

"Encyclopedia of Volcanoes" is an impressive one-volume edition under the editorship of Haraldur Sigurosson.

I discovered this book browsing the stacks of my University library and scribed much useful information from it.

I love one-volume edition styles. Some people complain about the burden of having to carry one, but I would personally rather carry a twenty pound book, than having to lug around five or more volumes.

[Lisa Reads]

A fascinating and highly detailed tome that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Rebecca Galbraith]

The complete field of volcanology in one incredibly expensive textbook :D

[Yohandi]

Very good. If you want to learn about volcanoes, you must read this book