Volcanologists venture to treacherous volcanoes the world over in the
pursuit of their science. They work around craters of boiling magma
and amidst smoke, flames, scorched rocks, and clouds of noxious
gases--balancing personal risk against advancing knowledge about one
of nature's most dangerous and unpredictable forces. Richard Fisher, a
world-renowned volcanologist, has had more than forty years of
experience in the field. In this book, he blends autobiography with
clear, accessible science to introduce readers to the basics of
volcanology and to the wonders of volcanoes that he has studied and
learned to both fear and admire. In the course of the book, we follow
Fisher as he descends into the steaming crater of the Soufri re
Volcano on the island of St. Vincent, as he conducts research on lava
flows on the desolate south shore of the Island of Hawaii, and as he
struggles to understand the explosion at Mount St. Helens. We learn
about his pioneering work on pyroclastic flows and surges--the
hurricanes of gases, molten lava, and volcanic debris that cause most
of the death and destruction when volcanoes explode. He tells of
solving a historic scientific problem at Mount Pelee, Martinique,
where 29,000 people were killed in a pyroclastic flow in 1902. Fisher
also offers a volcanologist's view of the explosion of Mount Vesuvius
that devastated Pompeii and Herculaneum. He writes about the cultural
rewards and challenges of conducting research in isolated areas of
such countries as Argentina, Mexico, and China. And he discusses the
early influences that steered him toward volcanology--including his
army experiences as a witness to two atom-bomb explosions at Bikini
atoll. Out of the Crater is written in an inviting, nontechnical
style. With its deft combination of personal stories and scientific
information, it is an inspiring account of a remarkable life and a
compelling examination of some of the most spectacular forces shaping
the face of the Earth.
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Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9780691221441
Publisert
2020
Utgiver
Vendor
Princeton University Press
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter