Volcanoes: Global Perspectives

by John P. Lockwood, Richard W. Hazlett

Volcanoes are essential elements in the delicate global balance of elemental forces that govern both the dynamic evolution of the Earth and the nature of Life itself. Without volcanic activity, life as we know it would not exist on our planet. Although beautiful to behold, volcanoes are also potentially destructive, and understanding their nature is critical to prevent major loss of life in the future.

Richly illustrated with over 300 original color photographs and diagrams the book is written in an informal manner, with minimum use of jargon, and relies heavily on first-person, eye-witness accounts of eruptive activity at both "red" (effusive) and "grey" (explosive) volcanoes to illustrate the full spectrum of volcanic processes and their products. Decades of teaching in university classrooms and fieldwork on active volcanoes throughout the world have provided the authors with unique experiences that they have distilled into a highly readable textbook of lasting value. Questions for Thought, Study, and Discussion, Suggestions for Further Reading, and a comprehensive list of source references make this work a major resource for further study of volcanology.

Volcanoes maintains three core foci: Global perspectives explain volcanoes in terms of their tectonic positions on Earth and their roles in earth historyEnvironmental perspectives describe the essential role of volcanism in the moderation of terrestrial climate and atmosphereHumanitarian perspectives discuss the major influences of volcanoes on human societies. This latter is especially important as resource scarcities and environmental issues loom over our world, and as increasing numbers of people are threatened by volcanic hazards

Readership

Volcanologists, advanced undergraduate, and graduate students in earth science and related degree courses, and volcano enthusiasts worldwide.

A companion website is also available for this title at www.wiley.com/go/lockwood/volcanoes

Genres: Geology

979 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 23, 2010

Reviews

[Sherron Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading this book because it has given me insight for the volcanology in my home state of Oregon, as well as, those around the world. I find volcanoes to be interesting and they have contributed to so much of the landscape we see, the islands we have, and to the history of our planet and those in our solar system. I look forward to taking my knowledge to Bend this summer and visiting the National Parks in the area.

If you love Earth science, especially volcanoes, then this is a good read. I gave it four stars because it was a deep read on the subject of volcanology. A bit of prior knowledge would be helpful going into the more detailed chapters. The author has a survival tip box which is funny for each chapter because he has done some really gutsy things (almost too close for comfort for my style).