Volcanoes

by Peter Francis, Clive Oppenheimer

The second edition of Volcanoes discusses the impact of volcanic eruptions on the Earth's environment-a cause of debate and extensive research by leading academics worldwide. Featuring excellent illustrations, the text includes a new chapter on volcanic hazards, which looks at complex scientific and sociological issues surrounding risk mitigation. In addition, it provides updated information on new eruptions, research findings, and planetary studies while preserving the strengths of the first edition-accessibility, clarity, and wit. Volcanoes, 2/e is ideal for undergraduate courses in geology, earth science, geography, environmental science and planetary science.

Genres: Science, Geology, Nonfiction, Reference, Earth Sciences

536 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since September 2021, with the beginning of the volcanic eruption on La Palma, one of the Canary Islands, I have been glued to my computer watching the evolution of the Cumbre Viejo volcano. I wanted to learn more about the science of what I was watching, so I hunted around a bit and then ordered this book from my favorite online used book seller.

I have been reading and browsing my way through the pages since October 9, but now I have to turn it over to Mom, who is also fascinated by the activity at La Palma, and wants to read the book too.

So I will quickly say that this is an excellent book, sometimes with too much math and too many formulas for my little pea brain, but always with a great deal of clearly explained information about all phases and styles of the processes involved in volcanic eruptions. Plenty of pictures, too!

I learned a lot here. I can't guarantee that all of the terms will stick, but at least when I see certain words in reports now I will know what they are talking about, and if I don't I can look them up in this very thorough book. I will be keeping it handy for easy reference.

As soon as I get it back from Mom, of course.

[V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely recommendation for anyone interested in Volcanoes - it is a university textbook, but at the same time it's immensely readable. Just wonderful!

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book in either 1978 or 1979 and never actually read it until now, more than 40 years later. I won't go into detail, but it is a good book with lots of historical information and non-technical, although readers should have some basic familiarity with geology to get the most from it. As far as I remember there is no math at all.

However, the age of my first edition copy means that it is somewhat dated, especially with recent eruptions (such as Mount Saint Helen's, which occurred several years after the book was published) and the description of geology on other planets.

Overall it is a good book but certainly not a textbook on volcanoes.

[The Inquisitive Biologist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite its age, Volcanoes remains a good introductory textbook to volcanology that is both enjoyable and accessible. See my full review at https://inquisitivebiologist.com/2020...

[Rolf]

Who call tell me what 'planetary' means in the context with volcanoes?

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent overview of volcanoes. I read an older version but a more recent one is available.

[Holly Keimig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one textbook that is actually fun to read. I have laughed out loud at least twice in every chapter. It reads like a novel and yet is full of information about volcanoes. It covers topics such as plate tectonics, magma rheology, viscosity, classic eruptions, isotopes, hazard mitigation and much more. This is a great book for a college class or someone with no earth-science background at all; an amazing feat in my estimation. My only complaint is that its not in color, but it is decently affordable for a textbook and well worth the money spent. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in geology or volcanology.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book managed to be both informative and accessible without losing sight of the seriousness of the subject matter. The topics covered are succinct and easy to follow without being over simplified and the examples given are pertinent and relevent. The illustrations and diagrams are clear and concise. The occasional bit of wit and personal opinion makes this book very readable, far more than many other vulcanology textbooks and doesn't get in the way of the main subject matter but rather enhances it.