Volcanoes and Earthquakes (Our World Series)

Booth, Basil

ISBN 10: 0382242270 ISBN 13: 9780382242274

Publisher: Silver Burdett Pr, 1991

Introduces volcanoes and earthquakes, the zones in which they occur, eruptions, related phenomena such as fumaroles and geysers, geothermal resources, hazards, and predictions

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From School Library Journal

Grade 7-10-- Two oversized volumes that feature large print and attractive illustrations. Booth describes volcanism, plate tectonics, and other earth processes. Devastating historic events are recounted with eyewitness reports. Attempts at prediction, scientific research, and seismic instruments are explained. Technical terminology is used and can be difficult to follow, but the diagrams and photographs are clear and helpful. Simon's Earthquakes (Morrow, 1991) is for younger readers. Lampton's Earthquake and Volcano (both Millbrook, 1991) are also attractive and readable, but lack the immediacy of the personal accounts. Thro's Volcanoes of the United States (Watts, 1992) covers the basics as adequately, but the black-and-white illustrations are less appealing. Pollution takes the stance that we have entered a `` . . . new Age of Conservation . . . ,'' and that our environmental problems will all be solved imminently. A brief, oversimplified historical account is followed by a chapter describing the ``Turning Points,'' which include the author's experiences in the December 5, 1952, London Smog. Succeeding chapters each deal with one topic--nuclear wastes, rivers, population--supporting the thesis. Such optimism may be premature, and political, social, and economic factors are treated superficially. Some diagrams are confusing, and the subchapter, ``Dinosaurs: victims of pollution?'' is misleading. The Woods's Pollution (Watts, 1985) emphasizes the problems and Newton's Taking a Stand against Environment Pollution (Watts, 1990) is concerned with the efforts of individuals and organizations. Collinson's very positive viewpoint makes this book unique. --Meryl Silverstein, American Museum of Natural History, New York City
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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