Provides information on earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in various regions of the world, major quakes and eruptions throughout history, and geologic and scientific terms.

Volcanoes are unquestionably one of the most spectacular and awe-inspiring features of the physical world. Our paradoxical fascination with them stems from their majestic beauty and powerful, sometimes deadly, destructiveness. Notwithstanding the tremendous advances in volcanology since ancient times, some of the mystery surrounding volcanic eruptions remains today. The Encyclopedia of Volcanoes summarizes our present knowledge of volcanoes; it provides a comprehensive source of information on the causes of volcanic eruptions and both the destructive and beneficial effects. The early chapters focus on the science of volcanism (melting of source rocks, ascent of magma, eruption processes, extraterrestrial volcanism, etc.). Later chapters discuss human interface with volcanoes, including the history of volcanology, geothermal energy resources, interaction with the oceans and atmosphere, health aspects of volcanism, mitigation of volcanic disasters, post-eruption ecology, and the impact of eruptions on organismal biodiversity. - Provides the only comprehensive reference work to cover all aspects of volcanology - Written by nearly 100 world experts in volcanology - Explores an integrated transition from the physical process of eruptions through hazards and risk, to the social face of volcanism, with an emphasis on how volcanoes have influenced and shaped society - Presents hundreds of color photographs, maps, charts and illustrations making this an aesthetically appealing reference - Glossary of 3,000 key terms with definitions of all key vocabulary items in the field is included

The author examines natural disasters around the Pacific Rim throughout history together with scientific data context to produce enlightening—and highly readable—entries. On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off Japan's coast, triggering a powerful tsunami. The massive destruction that resulted proved that not even sophisticated, industrialized nations are immune from nature's fury. Written to take some of the mystery out of the earth's behavior, this encyclopedia chronicles major natural disasters that have occurred around the Pacific Rim, an area nicknamed the "Ring of Fire" because of the volatile earth that lies above and below. The encyclopedia offers descriptions of deadly earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis through time. The entries provide in-depth information that promotes an understanding of the structure of the earth and earth processes and shares the insights of scientists whose work helps clarify the causes and effects of these cataclysmic events. At the same time, the work examines how the people and cultures of the Pacific Rim view this active part of the earth, how they live with the threat of disaster, and how they have been affected by major events that have occurred. Readers will come away with a holistic view of what is known, how this knowledge was gained, and what its implications may be.

Learn all about these natural disasters, their destructive impact and how they form. Find out how long eruptions last, what tectonic plates are and why these natural phenomena occur.

Discover the Earth's most explosive volcanoes and what it's like to experience an earthquake feels like in this picture-led guide to the hotspots of the world This ebook tells you everything you need to know about the Earth's most extraordinary natural forces - from active volcanoes, including Kilanea in Hawaii and Etna in Italy, to devastating earthquakes that have hit San Francisco and Japan. Discover how the eruption of Mount Vesuvius devastated the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, but left in its wake remarkably preserved treasures. Find out, too, how dogs can search for survivors in the aftermath of a huge quake. Eyewitness Volcano and Earthquake explores how tectonic plates collide, what causes magma to escape from deep inside Earth and why eruptions affect our weather. Learn how scientists predict and measure the magnitude of earthquakes, and find out what a volcanologist does. Includes striking full-colour photographs and illustrations of lava flows, pyroclastic clouds, rocks and precious stones, preserved bodies and petrified objects, and much more along with amazing facts, infographics, statistics, and a timeline to reveal the most devastating volcanoes and earthquakes in history. Part of DK's best-selling Eyewitness series, which is now getting an exciting makeover, this popular title has been reinvigorated for the next generation of information-seekers, with a fresh new look, new photographs, updated information, and a new "eyewitness" feature - fascinating first-hand accounts from experts in the field.

Combines facts with photographs of volcanoes and earthquake-affected regions to introduce readers to such topics as underwater volcanoes and plate tectonics while offering insight into the world-changing power of natural disasters.

Text, illustrations, and hands-on activities present information about earthquakes and volcanoes, including notable examples in history.