Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Volcanoes: Crucibles Of Change

4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 · rating details · 9 ratings · 1 review

Whenever a volcano threatens to erupt, scientists and adventurers from around the world flock to the site in response to the irresistible allure of one of nature's most dangerous and unpredictable phenomena. In a unique book probing the science and mystery of these fiery features, the authors chronicle not only their geologic behavior but also their profound effect on huma...more Whenever a volcano threatens to erupt, scientists and adventurers from around the world flock to the site in response to the irresistible allure of one of nature's most dangerous and unpredictable phenomena. In a unique book probing the science and mystery of these fiery features, the authors chronicle not only their geologic behavior but also their profound effect on human life. From Mount Vesuvius to Mount St. Helens, the book covers the surprisingly large variety of volcanoes, the subtle to conspicuous signs preceding their eruptions, and their far-reaching atmospheric consequences. Here scientific facts take on a very human dimension, as the authors draw upon actual encounters with volcanoes, often through firsthand accounts of those who have witnessed eruptions and miraculously survived the aftermath.The book begins with a description of the lethal May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens--complete with an explanation of how safety officials and scientists tried to predict events, and how unsuspecting campers and loggers miles away struggled against terrifying blasts of ash, stone, and heat. The story moves quickly to the ways volcanoes have enhanced our lives, creating mineral-rich land, clean thermal energy, and haunting landscapes that in turn benefit agriculture, recreation, mining, and commerce. Religion and psychology embroider the account, as the authors explore the impact of volcanoes on the human psyche through tales of the capricious volcano gods and attempts to appease them, ranging from simple homage to horrific ritual sacrifice.

"Volcanoes concludes by assisting readers in experiencing these geological phenomena for themselves. An unprecedented "tourist guide tovolcanoes" outlines over forty sites throughout the world. Not only will travelers find information on where to go and how to get there, they will also learn what precautions to take at each volcano. Tourists, amateur naturalists, and armchair travelers alike will find their scientific curiosity whetted by this informative and entertaining book.(less)

Hardcover

Published May 5th 1997 by Princeton University Press

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-17 of 17)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jun 16, 2008 Robert rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read this book about 10 years ago. It taught me everything I wanted to know about Volcanoes.

like · see review

Feb 20, 2013 Kristin Ramsey marked it as to-read

Shelves: non-fiction

Aug 30, 2012 Tim Martin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: science

Jun 03, 2012 Nancy added it

Apr 15, 2012 Rane added it

Mar 21, 2012 Dave rated it 3 of 5 stars

May 28, 2011 J.P. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: science

Feb 10, 2011 Stacy added it

Shelves: volcanoes

Oct 01, 2012 Stephanie(zosime) marked it as to-read

Aug 06, 2010 Sharon marked it as reference · review of another edition

Shelves: owned

Apr 18, 2010 Alain rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: science

Feb 17, 2010 Eric Shaffer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Jan 15, 2010 Adam Sitte rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: box-1

Nov 03, 2008 Maureen E rated it 3 of 5 stars

Sep 01, 2008 Susan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Jul 03, 2008 Jamon marked it as to-read

Feb 03, 2008 Mark is currently reading it

See top shelves...

Books by Richard V. Fisher

Out of the Crater: Chronicles of a Volcanologist

Sedimentation in Volcanic Settings (Special Publication (Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists))

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Volcanoes: Crucib...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Volcanoes: Crucibles Of Change
avg rating	preview: Volcanoes: Crucibles Of Change Goodreads rating: 4.00 (9 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1674629.Volcanoes?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1223624119l/1674629.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1674629.Volcanoes?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Volcanoes: Crucibles Of Change by Richard V. Fisher[/url]

Volcanoes: Crucibles Of Change

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Books by Richard V. Fisher

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Volcanoes: Crucib...

Volcanoes: Crucibles Of Change

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (1)

Genres

Books by Richard V. Fisher

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Volcanoes: Crucib...

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)