The impact of volcanic eruptions on the Earth's environment has been the source of many a debate and the cause of extensive research activities by leading academics worldwide. This text reflects on contemporary research findings and new eruptions (such as that on Montserrat) as well as including a chapter on volcanic hazards, which looks at the complex and scientific and sociological issues surrounding risk mitigation. It also provides us with an insight into studies of Mars and Jupiter.The book is designed primarily for undergraduate students across a range of disciplines including geology, Earth sciences, geography, environmental sciences and planetary sciences, yet, is an equally valuable source for volcanologists, senior scientists in other disciplines and scientifically-trained volcano enthusiasts. It is intended to be seen as a upper level undergraduate book - not an introductory/general book but more a core text for those with a real interest in studying volcanology. It could also be used as secondary reading for more general geology-based modules, petrology courses and so forth.
Contents:
The Basics - isotopes and green cheese; Keeping planets cool - volcanoes, hot-spots, and plate tectonics; Four Classic Eruptions; Magma - the hot stuff; Types of volcanic activity; Lava Flows; Pyroclastic eruptions - bubbles, bangs, fountains and plumes; What goes up must come down - pyroclastic fall deposits; Pyroclastic flows and igmibrites; Pyroclastic flows - surges; Pyroclastic flows - nuees ardentes; Debris avalanches and flows - magic carpets and muck; Supervolcanoes and calderas; Submarine silicic eruptions; Volcanoes as landscape forms; Eruptions and climate; Extraterrestrial volcanoes; Volcano monitoring and hazard assessment; Volcanic risk mitigation.
