Introducing Volcanology A Guide to Hot Rocks

About this book

Volcanoes have an endless fascination. Their eruptions are a regular reminder of the power of nature and our vulnerability to this raw geological phenomenon, however volcanic activity, and its plumbing from beneath, is an essential element of the forces that shaped and constantly reshape our planet. Dougal Jerram answers the questions: What are volcanoes? What other volcanic activity is there? How do volcanoes relate to plate tectonics and the movement of continents? What are eruptions and why do they occur? How have volcanoes affected the earth's climate? Can we predict eruptions? He also describes the most notable eruptions in history and their effect. Copiously illustrated throughout Introducing Volcanology is a concise and accessible introduction to the science of hot rocks for those with an adult curiosity and for those contemplating a course of formal study. As with sister volumes, technical terms are kept to a minimum and a glossary is provided covering the whole subject from ash to zeolites.

Contents

Preface

1. The world of volcanoes
2. The cooling Earth - how do rocks melt?
3. Volcanoes, plate tectonics and planets
4. Types and scales of eruption
5. Lava flows and bubbling cauldrons
6. Explosive pyroclastic eruptions and their deposits
7. Igneous intrusions - a window into volcanic plumbing
8. Volcanoes, life & climate
9. Monitoring volcanoes
10. Volcanoes and Man

Glossary

Customer Reviews

Biography

Dougal Jerram is an academic Earth scientist and has a wide experience in both modern and ancient volcanoes and their products. An expert and enthusiastic geological communicator, he has been involved in scientific television programmes for the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery and History channels.