Volcanoes of the Solar System [Hardcover]

Charles Frankel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 28, 1996

Space age lunar and planetary missions offer a new and enlarged perspective on volcanism, extending our experience to features discovered beyond this planet. Starting with Earth, Volcanoes of the Solar System takes the reader on a guided tour of the terrestrial planets and moons and their volcanic features. Lunar lava fields are seen through the eyes of the Apollo astronauts, and we are taken on an imaginary hike up the Martian slopes of Olympus Mons, the tallest volcano of the Solar System. This comprehensive and lucid account of volcanoes includes over 150 photographs. The text describes the most recent data on the unique and varied volcanic features of Venus and updates our knowledge on the prodigiously active volcanoes of Io. This book is accessible to the general reader, yet includes enough detail to serve as an introduction for earth sciences students.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Given the vast scope of the subject, it is good to have a new book that covers what we know in a readable way. Volcanoes of the Solar System is attractively presented and bang up-to-date ... Frankel writes extremely well and authoritatively ... At just over 200 pages, you can read and enjoy this book in a single long session - a rare and significant recommendation.' Fred Taylor, New Scientist

'As an up-to-date, easily readable, accurate and enjoyable introduction to all aspects of planetary volcanology, I cannot imagine this book being bettered for some time.' Lionel Wilson, Nature

'... this is an excellent review of Solar System volcanoes and volcanic products ... well researched, well presented, and well illustrated ... I do not think you will find a better post-Magellan, pre-Galileo account of volcanism in the Solar System.' David Rothery, Journal of the British Astronomical Association

'Volcanoes follows a very useful dual-chapter format in which specific planetary environments are treated in pairs, the first chapter being an overview and the second covering the volcanic features in greater detail. Consequently, the odd-numbered chapters are particularly well suited as introductions for the non-specialist reader, while the even-numbered chapters provide a considerable amount of helpful detail for more technical interests. I find this division a real strong point for effective practical use of the book by both audiences.' James R. Zimbelman, Sky and Telescope

'I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with an interest in planetary geology, and it should also provide a very useful text for undergraduate courses.' Mike Lancaster, Astronomy Now

'Frankel has the happy knack of writing just the right amount about each topic ... he maintains the reader's interest ... he emphasizes what is important ... a thought-provoking, thorough and objective book.' David W. Hughes, Astronomy and Geophysics

'Volcanoes of the Solar System is recommended to the general reader and student of the earth sciences as a scholarly and entertaining introduction to the subject.' Irish Astronomical Journal

'This fascinating and detailed book is strongly recommended ... packed with information ... extremely good value.' Yvonne Cutt, OUGS Journal

'... an enjoyable, well-illustrated romp through the Solar System.' Ray Kent, Geoscientist

'The text provides for all levels of reader, with an inviting narrative, which is a joy to read. it is so quickly engrossing that I had to physically wrest the book from my wife to begin this review' Astronomy Now

Book Description

Starting on Earth, this survey provides a guided tour of the terrestrial planets and moons and their recently discovered volcanic features. Over 150 photographs are included. The book describes lunar lava fields, Martian Olympus Mons, the many volcanoes of Venus and permanently active Io, and is suitable for both general readers and students.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 246 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (September 28, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521472016
• ISBN-13: 978-0521472012
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,679,365 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A study of the geology and geologic forces of volcanoes, March 29, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Volcanoes of the Solar System (Hardcover)

This text discusses the geology of volcanoes throughout most of our solar system (it lacks a chapter on Mercury). In it the author begins with an examination of earth's volcanic landforms and then progresses to examine those on other planetary worlds. The level of writing is non-technical, and clearly for the beginner. However, on occasion I noted that the author did not define various terms which make parts of this text a bit more difficult for the novice to follow. Still, the text is quite readable and offers a good overview. This is especially true in the design of the book's chapters: there is an initial one on each of the major planets which is 'more introductory', which is then followed by a second chapter which is 'more advanced'. I will note that the photography is quite nice, and that the book covers some of the more exotic volcanoes (such as those on Io and Triton). This is a good text for those interested in an overview of one of the most facsinating landforms in our solar system

4.0 out of 5 stars A good introductory review of extraterrestrial volcanism, January 26, 2004

By 

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

This review is from: Volcanoes of the Solar System (Paperback)

Mention the word "volcano", and most people think only of the Earth. However, as this fine book shows, such is hardly the case. Indeed, the phenomenon of volcanic activity is widespread in our own solar system.

The text is introductory in nature, and the book is unconfounded by spates of hypertechnical language. Anyone with an average scientific backgound will easily understand the great bulk of the matters discussed. Excellent photography, both from telescopes, as well as manned and robotic space vehicles, closely follows the text and contributes to its comprehension.

I believe the author occasionally leaves technical terms unexplained, however. Also, the photography is largely in black and white.

The book begins with chapters on Earth's own volcanism, and then proceeds to other planets and moon, including our moon, Venus, Mars, Io, and Triton. I found the chapters on Venus especially fascinating, given the wide variety of igneous features.

Any reader will come away with a well enhanced understanding of both our solar system and the part that vulcanism plays in its ongoing development. Recommended highly, especially for student of and devotees of planetary astronomy and volcanic processes.

4.0 out of 5 stars An overview on volcanic forces in our solar system, April 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Volcanoes of the Solar System (Paperback)

This book offers an introduction into the dynamic forces forming the surface of the planets. It is easy to read and offers a lot of information. I would recommend it to everyone who is interested in planetary geology.