Product Description

Several of the greatest disasters in history were caused by volcanic eruptions, and some have influenced the course of human civilization. Inevitably, the sheer physical power of volcanic eruptions makes them of compelling interest. Apart from their immediate effects, large eruptions also have world-wide atmospheric effects, with implications for the global climate that are becoming of increasing current concern. In this book, Dr Francis gives an account - much of it from first-hand experience in many parts of the world - of the familiar violent aspects of volcanoes and the various forms that eruptions can take. He also goes beyond the spectacular visible displays to explore why volcanoes occur where they do, and how examples of major historical eruptions can be interpreted in terms of physical processes. Throughout he attempts to place 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. This book is intended for students of geology, geography, and environmental science (first-year and above); those teaching these subjects; amateur geologists.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #286695 in Books
• Published on: 1993-05-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 456 pages

About the Author
The late Dr Peter Francis was Professor of Volcanology in the Department of Earth sciences at the Open University. Dr Clive Oppenheimer is a University Lecturer in the Department of Geography at the University of Cambridge.

Customer Reviews

A good flowing style, but avoiding trivia.
This was a book in a long list of preparatory recommended reading for a second level Open University course.
The style of writing is excellent. The content follows naturally from topic to topic. The level of detailis suitable for preparation for a second level University course. It would also be excellent reading for anyone with a general interest in matters scientific. The range of topics is wide and interesting.

An excellent reference work
This book provides an excellent introduction to the study of volcanoes, both on Earth and in the Solar System in general, which is easily accessible to an interested amateur or an undergraduate in the early stages of their degree (it was recommended reading for several of my first year courses as an undergrad geologist). The late Professor Francis produced a work that is both informative and entertaining, whilst at no time trivialising the subject matter in hand. Pertinent examples and analogies are provided to clarify and illuminate rather than to dumb-down - a distinction sadly lacking from many other volumes covering similar topics. For a more comprehensive coverage of the topic, I would recommend referring to this book alongside either Igneous Petrology by Anthony Hall or Igneous Petrogenesis by Marge Wilson.

The ideal companion for any volcano enthusiast
This book is the easiest 'textbook' I have ever read. It is informative and scientific whilst being succinct, educational and entertaining. Francis has an excellent, friendly writing style and the delight and passion he has for the subject matter is plain to see. This book is a must-have for wannabe volcanologists and for anyone with an interest in natural hazards.