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Volcanoes
Our Price: $29.95 Prices subject to change.
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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 551.21
EAN: 9780691002491
ISBN: 0691002495
Label: Princeton University Press
Manufacturer: Princeton University Press
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 334
Publication Date: September 14, 1998
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Studio: Princeton University Press
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Editorial Review:
The authors, professional volcanologists all, offer a rigorous geological account of the formation and composition of the many types of volcanoes, among them calderas, domes, and maars. They examine the chemistry of volcanic gases; consider the role volcanoes play in the formation of precious stones and minerals; and analyze advances in accurate seismological prediction and emergency disaster relief. They provide, in short, an admirably complete primer for volcano buffs, to which they add an unusual appendix describing the world's great volcanoes from a traveler's point of view, with directions for scaling peaks like Canada's Mount Garibaldi, Indonesia's Galanggung, and Italy's Stromboli.
Whenever a volcano threatens to erupt, scientists and adventurers from around the world flock to the site in response to the irresistible allure of one of nature's most dangerous and unpredictable phenomena. In a unique book probing the science and mystery of these fiery features, the authors chronicle not only their geologic behavior but also their profound effect on human life. From Mount Vesuvius to Mount St. Helens, the book covers the surprisingly large variety of volcanoes, the subtle to conspicuous signs preceding their eruptions, and their far-reaching atmospheric consequences. Here scientific facts take on a very human dimension, as the authors draw upon actual encounters with volcanoes, often through firsthand accounts of those who have witnessed eruptions and miraculously survived the aftermath.The book begins with a description of the lethal May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens--complete with an explanation of how safety officials and scientists tried to predict events, and how unsuspecting campers and loggers miles away struggled against terrifying blasts of ash, stone, and heat. The story moves quickly to the ways volcanoes have enhanced our lives, creating mineral-rich land, clean thermal energy, and haunting landscapes that in turn benefit agriculture, recreation, mining, and commerce. Religion and psychology embroider the account, as the authors explore the impact of volcanoes on the human psyche through tales of the capricious volcano gods and attempts to appease them, ranging from simple homage to horrific ritual sacrifice.Volcanoes concludes by assisting readers in experiencing these geological phenomena for themselves. An unprecedented "tourist guide to volcanoes" outlines over forty sites throughout the world. Not only will travelers find information on where to go and how to get there, they will also learn what precautions to take at each volcano. Tourists, amateur naturalists, and armchair travelers alike will find their scientific curiosity whetted by this informative and entertaining book.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Fascinating, clear, concise, and well-illustrated look at things volcanic
_Volcanoes: Crucibles of Change_ by Richard V. Fisher, Grant Heiken, and Jeffrey B. Hulen is a fascinating and very well-written look at volcanoes, including their formation, structure, dangers, benefits, and how they have affected human history. The book is richly illustrated with photographs, maps, and fascinating diagrams explaining volcanic processes.
Part one consisted of four chapters that looked at the geology of volcanoes. Important to understanding volcanoes is knowing where ... Read More
Rating: - A most excellent book on volcanoes
I recommend this book most highly. It is well-organized, easily read by anyone with a high school education and a limited scientific background, and all-encompassing on the subject of volcanoes. The latest developments in volcanic petrology, pyroclastic flow study, caldera formation, supervolcanic eruptions and their horrific consequences, and the like are superbly covered. Additionally, the book contains excellent narratives of nearly all significant late 20th Century eruptions, such as Pinatubo, ... Read More
Rating:  - one thumb up, one thumb down
I found that this book has some positives and negatives: Positives: 1. the authors have compiled a wealth of information about volcanoes all over the world: Mt. St. Helens catastrophe, planes flying over eruption clouds, eruption accounts from Krakatua, etc, etc. 2. For a geologist like me, when we study about volcanoes, we tend to forget the human factor, not only hazards, but also how it affects agriculture, tourism, etc. Which I think this book pinpoints very well. Negatives: 1. The book doesn't ... Read More
Rating: - one thumb up, one thumb down
I found that this book has some positives and negatives: Positives: 1. the authors have compiled a wealth of information about volcanoes all over the world: Mt. St. Helens catastrophe, planes flying over eruption clouds, eruption accounts from Krakatua, etc, etc. 2. For a geologist like me, when we study about volcanoes, we tend to forget the human factor, not only hazards, but also how it affects agriculture, tourism, etc. Which I think this book pinpoints very well. Negatives: 1. The book doesn't ... Read More
Rating: - Neither too little or too much
Neither too little or too much, Volcanoes: Crucibles of Change is the best volume I have ever read on Volcanology. Written for the intelligent layperson, the book never talks down to its reader or loses them in mult-semicolon sentances of unintelligble jargon as so many other books by scientists do. If you want the latest theories on volcanoes, this is th book for you. I was especially surprised by how many dormant/active volcanoes there are in the lower 48. And as one who has flown from the U.S. ... Read More
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