Volcanism

Volcanic eruptions are the clear and dramatic expression of dynamic processes in planet Earth. The author, one of the most profound specialists in the field of volcanology, explains in a concise and easy to understand manner the basics and most recent findings in the field. Based on over 300 color figures and the model of plate tectonics, the book offers insight into the generation of magmas and the occurrence and origin of volcanoes. The analysis and description of volcanic structures is followed by process oriented chapters discussing the role of magmatic gases as well as explosive mechanisms and sedimentation of volcanic material. The final chapters deal with the forecast of eruptions and their influence on climate. Students and scientists of a broad range of fields will use this book as an interesting and attractive source of information. Laypeople will find it a highly accessible and graphically beautiful way to acquire a state-of-the-art foundation in this fascinating field."Volcanism by Hans-Ulrich Schmincke has photos of the best quality I have ever seen in a text on the subject… In addition, the schematic figures in their wide range of styles are clear, colorful, and simplified to emphasize the most important factors while including all significant features…"I have really enjoyed reading and rereading Schmincke’s book. It fills a great gap in texts available for teaching any basic course in volcanology. No other book I know of has the depth and breadth of Volcanism… I have shared Volcanism with my colleagues to their significant benefit, and I am more convinced of its value for a broad range of Earth and planetary scientists.Undoubtedly, I will use Volcanism for my upcoming courses in volcanology. I will never hesitate to recommend it to others. Many geoscientists from very different subdisciplines will benefit from adding the book to their personal libraries. Schmincke has done us all a great service by undertaking the grueling task of writing the book – and it is much better that he alone wrote it." Stanley N. Williams, ASU Tempe, AZ (Physics Today, April 2005) "Schmincke is a German volcanologist with an international reputation, and he has done us all a great favour because he sensibly channelled his fascination with volcanoes into writing this beautifully illustrated book... [he] tackles the entire geological setting of volcanoes within the earth and the processes that form them... And, with more than 400 colour illustrations, including a huge number of really excellent new diagrams, cutaway models and maps, plus a rich glossary and references, this book is accessible to anyone with an interest in the subject."  New Scientist (March 2004)"The science of volcanology has made tremendous progress over the past 40 years, primarily because of technological advances and because each tragic eruption has led researchers to recognize the processes behind such serious hazards. Yet scientists are still learning a great deal because of photogra

From the reviews: "Volcanism by Hans-Ulrich Schmincke has photos of the best quality I have ever seen in a text on the subject… In addition, the schematic figures in their wide range of styles are clear, colorful, and simplified to emphasize the most important factors while including all significant features… "I have really enjoyed reading and rereading Schmincke’s book. It fills a great gap in texts available for teaching any basic course in volcanology. No other book I know of has the depth and breadth of Volcanism… I have shared Volcanism with my colleagues to their significant benefit, and I am more convinced of its value for a broad range of Earth and planetary scientists. Undoubtedly, I will use Volcanism for my upcoming courses in volcanology. I will never hesitate to recommend it to others. Many geoscientists from very different subdisciplines will benefit from adding the book to their personal libraries. Schmincke has done us all a great service by undertaking the grueling task of writing the book – and it is much better that he alone wrote it." Stanley N. Williams, ASU Tempe, AZ (Physics Today, April 2005) "This book comes from a lifetime of volcanological field experience all over the world from a leading professor of volcanology … . The book is based on the author’s lecture materials … . figures make this volume exceptionally valuable to students and instructors. The photographs, historic figures, and charts and figures … are done thoughtfully and carefully and will be very widely used. … would be appropriate as a text for an upper-level college class in volcanology. … It could attract newcomers to this highly interdisciplinary field … ." (William I. Rose, Journal of Geology, May, 2005) "This outstanding handbook has the power to incite any geologist or interested layman to become a volcanologist himself … . It is … lavishly illustrated with superb photographs and excellent cartoons of models, schematic cross-sections or contour maps, with easy to consult references, glossary and indexes. ... It is highly recommended to all those interested in earth sciences in general and should be present in every earth science library. … definitely will raise the fascination for the earth as a complex system among many." (Michiel Dusar, Geologica Belgica, Vol. 8 (1-2), 2005) "The book by Hans-Ulrich Schmincke … is alluring for several reasons. Firstly, it deals with topics which … are potentially attractive for all, regardless of ones age and educational level. Secondly, it is perfectly balanced in providing a professional level of science … . Thirdly, it contains a wealth of colourful photos … . the most spectacularly illustrated one I have recently read. … the text is written with passion and with a superb knowledge of the subject … . Students and scientists … will find this excellent book an indispensable source of information