Why does a volcano erupt? How many different kinds of volcanoes are there? Once believed to be the work of a fire god named Vulcan, volcanoes have long fascinated people. Looking at three different types of volcanoes composite, cinder cone, and shield uncover how and why these magnificent and deadly mountains change the earth for the better, and for the worse.
Exciting new Look Insideseries to encourage and inspire young readers. Look Inside Volcano gives you an exciting new look at the earth's eruptions and explosions. It explains everything from what volcanoes are, how they form, and what happens during an eruption. It also introduces the different types of volcano and famous volcanoes from around the world. It's packed with photos, bold graphics and information, as well as moveable pull and lift flaps that allow you to journey into the centre of the Earth. You'll even see dramatic before and after images of real-life explosions. Look Inside a Volcanois full of amazing explosive stuff - handle with care!
For use in schools and libraries only. Introduces readers to one of the planet's mightiest physical forces, showing how volcanoes are formed, where they are found, and how they have changed the face of the Earth.
Whenever a volcano threatens to erupt, scientists and adventurers from around the world flock to the site in response to the irresistible allure of one of nature's most dangerous and unpredictable phenomena. In a unique book probing the science and mystery of these fiery features, the authors chronicle not only their geologic behavior but also their profound effect on human life. From Mount Vesuvius to Mount St. Helens, the book covers the surprisingly large variety of volcanoes, the subtle to conspicuous signs preceding their eruptions, and their far-reaching atmospheric consequences. Here scientific facts take on a very human dimension, as the authors draw upon actual encounters with volcanoes, often through firsthand accounts of those who have witnessed eruptions and miraculously survived the aftermath. The book begins with a description of the lethal May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens--complete with an explanation of how safety officials and scientists tried to predict events, and how unsuspecting campers and loggers miles away struggled against terrifying blasts of ash, stone, and heat. The story moves quickly to the ways volcanoes have enhanced our lives, creating mineral-rich land, clean thermal energy, and haunting landscapes that in turn benefit agriculture, recreation, mining, and commerce. Religion and psychology embroider the account, as the authors explore the impact of volcanoes on the human psyche through tales of the capricious volcano gods and attempts to appease them, ranging from simple homage to horrific ritual sacrifice. Volcanoes concludes by assisting readers in experiencing these geological phenomena for themselves. An unprecedented "tourist guide to volcanoes" outlines over forty sites throughout the world. Not only will travelers find information on where to go and how to get there, they will also learn what precautions to take at each volcano. Tourists, amateur naturalists, and armchair travelers alike will find their scientific curiosity whetted by this informative and entertaining book.
When Mount Vesuvius blew up in A.D. 79, ash, cinders, and stones buried a great city below the mountain. Volcanoes are dramatic and powerful. There are thousands of them all over the earth. Franklyn M. Branley's clear text and Megan Lloyd's striking illustrations explore the fascinating subject of volcanoes—how they form and erupt, where they are found, and when you can expect a volcano to blow its top.
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, 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; it provides a comprehensive source of information on the causes of volcanic eruptions and both the destructive and beneficial effects. The early chapters focus on the science of volcanism (melting of source rocks, ascent of magma, eruption processes, extraterrestrial volcanism, etc.). Later chapters discuss human interface with volcanoes, including 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. - Provides the only comprehensive reference work to cover all aspects of volcanology - Written by nearly 100 world experts in volcanology - Explores an integrated transition from the physical process of eruptions through hazards and risk, to the social face of volcanism, with an emphasis on how volcanoes have influenced and shaped society - Presents hundreds of color photographs, maps, charts and illustrations making this an aesthetically appealing reference - Glossary of 3,000 key terms with definitions of all key vocabulary items in the field is included
Unmatched in their power and violence, volcanoes are also beautiful and surprisingly beneficial. As revealed in Volcanoes: What's Hot and What's Not on Earth and in our Solar System, the molten rock beneath our feet continues to shape our world and contributes to the chemistry of life itself. Join geologist and educator Ian Lange for an in-depth survey of volcanism, from magma generation, plate tectonics, caldera formation, and hot spots to basalt floods, pyroclastic flows, lahars, super volcanoes, and more. Lange also explains topics seldom covered in volcano books, such as magma chemistry, volcanic production of metals and minerals, life on hydrothermal vents, and ash effects on aviation. Discover the fascinating answers to some of science's greatest puzzles: Why do some volcanoes explode violently while others slowly ooze lava? How does water make eruptions more explosive? Which of Earth's volcanoes are the most dangerous? Can volcanic eruptions be predicted? How do eruptions effect the Earth's climate? Where is the largest volcano in our solar system? With clear, lively text, photographs, and illustrations, Volcanoes: What's Hot and What's Not on Earth and in Our Solar System is a must-read for the scientist and layperson alike. Includes 91 photographs; 47 maps; 60 charts, tables, & diagrams; references, & index.
