By
Bruce Houghton, Institute of Geology and Nuclear Science, New Zealand
Hazel Rymer, Open University, U.K.
John Stix, McGill University, Canada
Steve McNutt, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, U.S.A.
Haraldur Sigurdsson, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island, U.S.A.
Description
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, if 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. Through its thematic organization around the melting of the earth, it provides a comprehensive
source of information on the multidisciplinary influences of volcanic eruptions--both the destructive as well as the beneficial aspects.
The majority of the chapters focus on the geoscience-related aspects of volcanism (radioactive heat source, melting rock, ascent of
magma, surface phenomena associated with exiting magma, extraterrestrial volcanism, etc.). In addition, complementary chapters discuss
the multidisciplinary aspects of volcanism; these include 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.
In addition to its appeal to educators, students, and professional and amateur scientists, the
Encyclopedia
of Volcanoes functions as an important information resource for administrators and officials responsible for developing and
implementing volcanic hazard mitigation around the world.
Audience:
Earth system educators, students, and amateur scientists as well as professional volcanologists interested in comprehending specialties outside their own expertise.
