Volcano (Planet Earth)

by Time-Life Books

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 080944304X
• ISBN13: 9780809443048
• Release Date: January 1982
• Publisher: Time-Life Books
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 1.90 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Still a fine introduction to volcanoes, though somewhat dated.

This is the second volume of the 17-volume "Planet Earth" series published by Time-Life in the mid 1980's, and it is one of the best. Although time, events, and additional scientific discoveries have dated some of the contents, this is still an excellent introduction to volcanoes and volcanology for the layman. The text is well-organized and well written. The photos follow the text well and, in many cases, are novel and enjoyable. The book begins with a detailed discussion of the disastrous 1902 Mt. Pelee eruption, and ends with a fine chapter on Mount St. Helens' explosive eruption in 1980. Intervening chapters accurately cover the underlying forces behind volcanoes, the various forms of eruptions that may occur, and contain excellent charts, diagrams, and photos showing these processes in detail. Also covered are notable eruptions such as Krakatoa in 1883. The discussion of the 1815 cataclysm of Mount Tambora in Indonesia is one of the best that I have come across. Such things as effects of volcanic eruptions on climate, benefits to man, and volcanic history, especially that of Mount Vesuvius, are also effortlessly woven into the text. Even if you a volcano mavin, and enjoy more detailed discussions of volcanic phenomena, this book will still entertain and educate you. I recommend it very highly as a nice bargain book on the topic.