Volcanoes [Paperback]

Peter Francis (Author), Clive Oppenheimer (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0199254699 | ISBN-13: 978-0199254699 | Publication Date: December 25, 2003 | Edition: 2

The second edition of Volcanoes discusses the impact of volcanic eruptions on the Earth's environment-a cause of debate and extensive research by leading academics worldwide. Featuring excellent illustrations, the text includes a new chapter on volcanic hazards, which looks at complex scientific and sociological issues surrounding risk mitigation. In addition, it provides updated information on new eruptions, research findings, and planetary studies while preserving the strengths of the first edition-accessibility, clarity, and wit. Volcanoes, 2/e is ideal for undergraduate courses in geology, earth science, geography, environmental science and planetary science.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Oppenheimer does not shy away from difficult concepts, and as part of a more modern treatment of magma vesiculation (bubble formation) he presents a skilful precis of Yuri Siezin's catastrophe theory model, whereby a slight change in the pressure driving up a conduit can trigger an enormous change in magma ascent velocity.' Times Higher Education Supplement, April 2004.

`Review from previous edition 'the work is organized around the styles of volcanism found on the earth ... the lay reader is skilfully guided around or over the technical hurdles without the storyline being lost and perseverance, when it is needed, is rewarded by many fascinating details about particular eruptions ... the thoroughness and range of the coverage in the text make this an excellent adjunct to the reading list for even a postgraduate course in volcanology ... Francis has succeeded in producing an extremely readable, entertaining, authoritative and informative work that should bring a better appreciation of modern volcanology to a wide audience.'' L. Wilson, Nature August, 07/09/1993

`'the lay readers is skilfully guided around or over the technical hurdles without the storyline being lost; and perseverance, when it is needed, is rewarded by many fascinating details about particular eruptions ... the thoroughness and range of the coverage in the text make this an excellent adjunct to the reading list for even a postgraduate course in volcanology ... Francis has succeeded in producing an extremely readable, entertaining, authoritative and informative work that should bring a better appreciation of modern volcanology to a wide audience.'' Lionel Wilson, University of Lancaster, Nature, Vol. 364, August 1993

`'This is simply the best book I have seen on the science that underlies modern understanding of volcanology - and on top of that it is a pleasure to read ... a coherent and lively overview of his field, from historical accounts of great eruptions to lavas on Mars and elsewhere ... it is difficult to put down, principally because of Francis's lively style ... His lucid style and individual ... voice entices committed and casual readers alike. This is the book for all those who have wondered why and how volcanoes erupt as they do, and are prepared to think a little to find out ... what makes this text so compelling is the sense of contact with research. Francis refers throughout to the scientists involved - what they saw and how they interpreted their observations.'' Sue Bowler, New Scientist, September 1993

`'In an easy-to-read style, he has produced a scholarly work that is a suitable text both for earth and environmental science students and for those who wish to know more about this important natural process. The book is extremely well illustrated with high-quality drawings and photographs. This is a good follow-up to the author's earlier and highly successful book on the same subject.'' Times Higher Education Supplement

`'This is above all a very readable account of one of the Earth's fundamental geological processes and as such will appeal equally to students of geology and geography, nonspecialists, and the general reader. The book is magnificently illustrated and the author writes from first hand experience of research in this field.'' Aslib Book Guide, Vol. 59, No. 3, March 1994

`'targeted specifically to a popular audience. It went on to achieve considerable success, in part because of its accessible style, low price, and lack of competitors ... Francis has written a highly personal discourse, focusing on those volcanoes and topics that most captivate him ... it is Francis's subtle appreciation of how volcanoes work that really sets this book apart.'' Science, Vol 263, 21 January 1994

`'Graduates would find much new material of interest and plenty of references for further study.'' OUGS Journal 16.1, Spring Edition 1995

`'In part, reading this book is simply a pleasure, as Francis and Oppenheimer write very clear and precise, adding occasionally the odd joke...To the present writer, this book is the best work on volcanoes and volcanology...the clarity of the presentation makes this book very readable for the educated non-special...I thus conclude: simply the best!'' Dr Ulrich Knittel, http://vulkanismus.de/reviews/volcs_eng.html

`'In my opinion Dr Oppenheimer has combined the original work with new material to produce a superb book which is a pleasure to read and at a modest price it should be on the book list of everyone interested in volcanology'' Elizabeth Maddocks OUGS Journal 25 (2) Symposium Edition 2004.

About the Author

The late Dr. Peter Francis was a Reader in the Department of Earth Sciences at the Open University and Visiting Professor at the University of Hawaii. Dr. Clive Oppenheimer is a University Lecturer in the Department of Geography at the University of Cambridge.

Product Details

• Paperback: 536 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 2 edition (December 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199254699
• ISBN-13: 978-0199254699
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #355,246 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #52 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Earth Sciences > Seismology

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A marvelous work on volcanology., November 30, 2004

By 

Jerald R Lovell (Clinton Township, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Volcanoes: A Planetary Perspective (Paperback)

This reaches the high end of trade works on the subject, and I suggest that some exposure to the sciences, particulary physical geology, is probably appropriate before tackling this book. Having so stated, I believe this is one of the best books I have ever read on volcanoes.

The author is a person of considerable dry wit and humour, and has achieved a masterpiece by making the subject readily understandable through excellent draftsmanship. The photographs closely follow the text, and are unusually helpful.

I was particularly impressed by the fine work on the emerging science of pyroclastic flows; that most dangerous of volcanic phenomena. Notwithstanding the fact that this book is some 7 years old, the text is remarkably current, and a must for anyone interested in pyroclastic flows and their perils.

Although the author indicates otherwise in his preface, I really believe this book would be very useful as a collegiate text on the subject of volcanology. Obiously, I recommend the book very highly to all.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still the best book on volcanoes, August 22, 2001

By 

Ulrich Knittel (Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Volcanoes: A Planetary Perspective (Paperback)

Though I read quite a number of books on volcanism, I'd say, this is certainly the best (hard to believe, it is already 7 years old! and still mostly up-to-date). It covers virtually all important topics in a very clear way and should be understandable not only to the specialist but also to the educated layman. It contains certainly the best review of extraterrestrial volcanism I have read so far, though there are books specifically dedicated to that topic. 5 stars galore!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent review of eruptions and explanation of physical basis of volcanism, July 13, 2006

By 

Szewczyk Andrzej "Andrzej Szewczyk" (Warsaw, Poland, Europe) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Volcanoes (Paperback)

This the very interestingly writen book, in which physical backgrounds of the volcanic phenomena are explained very accessibly. Particularly interesting are vivid descriptions of several, the most known, explosve eruptions and explanations of the physical bases of pyrocalstic currents. The book contains numerous fascinating photographs, well illustrating the described events. It would be advantageous if they were published in colour.