Volcanoes: A Planetary Perspective - Softcover

Francis, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198540337 ISBN 13: 9780198540335

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1993

Synopsis

Some of the greatest disasters in history were caused by volcanic eruptions. Apart from their immediate effects, which in some cases have altered the course of human civilization, large eruptions also have world-wide atmospheric effects, with implications for the global climate that are of increasing international concern. This book, gives a readable, straightforward account--much of it from first-hand experience--of the familiar violent aspects of volcanoes and the various forms that eruptions can take. The author also goes beyond the spectacular visible displays to explore why volcanoes exist, why they occur where they do, and how examples of major historical eruptions can be interpreted in terms of physical processes. Throughout he places volcanism in a planetary perspective, exploring the preeminent role of submarine volcanism on Earth and the stunning range of volcanic phenomena revealed by spacecraft exploration of the solar system. Students of geology, geography, and the environment, as well as the interested general reader, will find this richly illustrated book a stimulating source of expert information on one of nature's most dramatic phenomena.

About this title

About the Author:

Peter Francis, Reader, Department of Earth Sciences, The Open University.

Review:

'for the thoroughness and range of the coverage in the text make this an excellent adjunct to the reading list for even a postraduate course in volcanology.' an extremely readable, entertaining, authoritative and informative work that should bring a better appreciation of modern volcanology
to a wide audience. Nature August 1993

'the work is organized around the styles of volcanism found on the earth ...

the lay reader is skilfully guided around or over the technical hurdles without the storyline being lost and perseverance, when it is needed, is rewarded by many fascinating details about particular eruptions ... the thoroughness and range of the coverage in the text make this an excellent adjunct
to the reading list for even a postgraduate course in volcanology ... Francis has succeeded in producing an extremely readable, entertaining, authoritative and informative work that should bring a better appreciation of modern volcanology to a wide audience.'
L. Wilson, Nature August, 07/09/1993

'the lay readers is skilfully guided around or over the technical hurdles without the storyline being lost; and perseverance, when it is needed, is rewarded by many fascinating details about particular eruptions ... the thoroughness and range of the coverage in the text make this an excellent
adjunct to the reading list for even a postgraduate course in volcanology ... Francis has succeeded in producing an extremely readable, entertaining, authoritative and informative work that should bring a better appreciation of modern volcanology to a wide audience.'
Lionel Wilson, University of Lancaster, Nature, Vol. 364, August 1993

'This is simply the best book I have seen on the science that underlies modern understanding of volcanology - and on top of that it is a pleasure to read ... a coherent and lively overview of his field, from historical accounts of great eruptions to lavas on Mars and elsewhere ... it is
difficult to put down, principally because of Francis's lively style ... His lucid style and individual ... voice entices committed and casual readers alike. This is the book for all those who have wondered why and how volcanoes erupt as they do, and are prepared to think a little to find out ...
what makes this text so compelling is the sense of contact with research. Francis refers throughout to the scientists involved - what they saw and how they interpreted their observations.'
Sue Bowler, New Scientist, September 1993

`...difficult to put down, principally because of Francis's lively style. He combines anecdote, observation and theory to lead the reader unerringly through complex scientific arguments and out the other side, to the significance of the findings.'
`This is the book for all those who have wondered why and how volcanoes erupt as they do, and are prepared to think a nittle to find out.'
`It is an eloquent testimony to the value of careful observation teamed with intelligent application of experimental results and theoretical ideas.'New Scientist

'In an easy-to-read style, he has produced a scholarly work that is a suitable text both for earth and environmental science students and for those who wish to know more about this important natural process. The book is extremely well illustrated with high-quality drawings and photographs.
This is a good follow-up to the author's earlier and highly successful book on the same subject.'
Times Higher Education Supplement

'This is above all a very readable account of one of the Earth's fundamental geological processes and as such will appeal equally to students of geology and geography, nonspecialists, and the general reader. The book is magnificently illustrated and the author writes from first hand experience
of research in this field.'
Aslib Book Guide, Vol. 59, No. 3, March 1994

`targeted specifically to a popular audience. It went on to achieve considerable success, in part because of its accessible style, low price, and lack of competitors ... Francis has written a highly personal discourse, focusing on those volcanoes and topics that most captivate him ... it is
Francis's subtle appreciation of how volcanoes work that really sets this book apart.'
Science, Vol 263, 21 January 1994

`Graduates would find much new material of interest and plenty of references for further study.'
OUGS Journal 16.1, Spring Edition 1995

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0198540337
• ISBN 13: 9780198540335
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 456