Volcanoes: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #660

by Michael J. Branney, Jan Zalasiewicz

Volcanoes are some of the most dramatic expressions of the powerful tectonic forces at work in the Earth beneath our feet. But volcanism, a profoundly important feature of Earth, and indeed of other planets and moons too, encompasses much more than just volcanoes themselves. On a planetary
scale, volcanism is an indispensable heat release mechanism, which on Earth allows the conditions for life. IIt releases gases into the atmosphere and produces enormous volumes of rock, and spectacular landscapes - landscapes which, during major eruptions, can be completely reshaped in a matter of
hours. Through geological time volcanism has shaped both climate and biological evolution, and volcanoes can affect human life, too, for both good and ill. Yet, even after much study, some of the fundamental aspects of volcanicity remain mysterious.

This Very Short Introduction takes the readers into the inferno of a racing pyroclastic current, and the heart of a moving lava flow, as understood through the latest scientific research. Exploring how volcanologists forensically decipher how volcanoes work, Michael Branney and Jan Zalasiewicz
explain what we do (and don't) understood about the fundamental mechanisms of volcanism, and consider how volcanoes interact with other physical processes on the Earth, with life, and with human society.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and
enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Geology, Audiobook

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2021

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a readable and interesting introduction to volcanoes - present and past, on Earth and in the heavens (briefly, in the last chapter). Unless you're already an expert, expect plenty of "holy cow" moments as you read this remarkable subject. The book features a short glossary, but the main text uses many more technical terms, not all of them defined in context. You may need to keep Wikipedia handy to look things up. That's no problem if you're reading an ebook version on an Internet-connected device, but could be inconvenient if you are reading a paper version offline. Or if a nearby eruption kills your Internet access...

Although the book contains more illustrations than some other Very Short Introductions, you may want still more. Geology and volcanology contain important visual aspects. One cannot imagine a geologist getting very far without ever going into the field to look at rocks. The more you can see of what you're reading about, the more it might make sense. Thus you might also want to read "bookazines" on the subject that are heavier on photographs and diagrams, such as Violent Earth. And of course there are many documentary programs about volcanoes to watch.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent overview of volcanoes, including a basic refresher on geology and plate tectonics. The authors do an excellent job of explaining technical concepts and providing the reader with an understanding of the different types and behaviors of volcanoes.

[Lukasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Przesłuchałem książkę, śledziłem trochę sytuację w Islandii i zainteresowało mnie jakie procesy związane są z wulkanami. Pozycja z dziedziny geologii, dobrze się słuchało i napisana dość zrozumiale, nawet dla odbiorcy który nie jest geologiem.