Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis: A Complete Introduction: Teach Yourself

by David A. Rothery

How do volcanoes erupt, what makes earthquakes so destructive, and why do tsunamis happen?Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis answers these questions and more, giving you everything you need to know about these powerful natural phenomena. It covers the plate tectonic background to Earth processes, where magma is made and how it erupts, volcano types, eruption hazards and how they are monitored, faults and earthquakes, the causes of tsunamis and tsunami preparedness. You will examine many examples of these frightening events, find out to what extent they can be predicted and mitigated against, and come to realize how they are related and the impact they have on human society and the natural world.Written by Dr David Rothery, a volcanologist, geologist, planetary scientist and Professor of Planetary Geosciences at the Open University, Volcanoes, Earthquakes and A Complete Introduction is designed to give you everything you need to know, all in one place. It covers the key areas that students are expected to be confident in, outlining the basics in clear English and providing added-value features like a glossary of essential terms and even examples of questions you might be asked in your seminar or exam.The book covers the essentials of most university courses, with an introduction on how the Earth moves, followed by separate sections on volcanoes (including eruptions, types of volcano, volcanic hazards, volcanoes and climate, monitoring volcanoes, predicting eruptions and living with volcanoes), earthquakes (including faults, measurement, seismic monitoring, prediction, prevention and preparedness) and tsunamis.The colour plates referred to in the book can be downloaded from the Teach Yourself online library or accessed through the Teach Yourself Library app.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Geology, Earth Sciences, Amazon, Reference

549 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

David Rothery is Professor of Planetary Geosciences at the School of Physical Sciences within the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics at the Open University.

Reviews

[Janik Zikovsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very readable overview of volcanoes and earthquakes, written by a vulcanologist. I was worried this would be too dumbed-down but the author does not shy away from using proper technical terms, after defining them accurately. But it remains an engaging read, with real-world examples that put everything in context.

[Kelly Loo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great and informative book, very content-heavy. Learnt a lot but at the end of the day, non-fiction isn't for me unless you give me a year to read it. Would say that this is not the book for you if you're looking for a crash course, but more of expanding on elementary knowledge on volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

[Lisa Konet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this quite quickly because I wanted to learn more about the science of natural disasters. I was fascinated by the circumstances of how each other of these occur and how sometimes one or more these occur because of the other.

Quite sobering the aftermath from these. I think it’s important to understand each of these and try to have an emergency plan/kit for each. Hope I never have to live through one of these.

[martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was written for academic purposes (which I needed to read it for, this was not a typical fun read) and it really felt like that. The diagrams and case studies were excessively useful, but because the book contained so much information, reading it felt overwhelming at times. I appreciated how the three separate (yet subtly linked) phenomena were organised and explained. The visual aids were clear and methodical, and a number of summaries were provided too which cleared up matters alongside enabling me to retain information less dense. Overall, it was a useful read, however I do think that I will have to revisit it over time in order to make full use of all that it contains.

[Rodney Harvill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be exceedingly well written, covering both the underlying geological theory associated with volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis and practical considerations pertaining to coping with the risks inherent to living on a geologically active planet. Such coping mechanisms include early detection and prediction, as well as measures to mitigate the effects of a future or ongoing natural disaster. In particular, I remember his description of how the residents of a town in Iceland managed to redirect a lava flow by spraying seawater on its edge, forming a levee of volcanic rock. A simple solution that was both elegant and effective. An engineer who is accustomed to turning theory into practice, I had a really hard time putting this book down.

[Bill Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely enjoyable and educational book. Really lays out the dangers posed by these natural events / threats. Written by a true expert in such a way that anyone could understand it, without feeling patronised or spoken down to - a far from easy accomplishment! Brilliant!

[Don Manella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most comprehensive book on the market regarding earthquakes, volcano’s and tsunamis. Goes in-depth into every aspect of the big three. I’m sure this is one book that’s in the hands of every scientist out there today. A must have.

[Aliff Amierul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book for beginners in geology. My reference book. Easy to understand

[Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose to buy this book to learn more on the subject, and wasn't disappointed. It provides a comprehensive explanation of the processes going on in the ground below our feet. It's a complicated subject, so this isn't a book to be read quickly.
Having read the book I was inspired to sign up for the Open University course for which it's a text book.

[Julian Kirkman-Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

This formed part of my OU science course. I enjoyed the book and subject so much I made a point of doing two things:-
Visiting Yellowstone national park and standing above the supervolcano that spells tilt for the Northern hemisphere, and choosing to write about the earthquake potential in Istanbul for my honours thesis. Thank you David, for the inspiration.

[John Herceg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprisingly informative text. Especially gifted knowledge of volcanoes and their role in human existence as well as their potential for destruction. Simultaneously entertaining.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting read, it was part of my open university course