Fundamentals of Physical Volcanology is a comprehensive overview ofthe processes that control when and how volcanoes erupt.Understanding these processes involves bringing together ideas froma number of disciplines, including branches of geology, such aspetrology and geochemistry; and aspects of physics, such as fluiddynamics and thermodynamics. This book explains in accessible terms how different areas ofscience have been combined to reach our current level of knowledgeof volcanic systems. It includes an introduction to eruption types,an outline of the development of physical volcanology, acomprehensive overview of subsurface processes, eruptionmechanisms, the nature of volcanic eruptions and their products,and a review of how volcanoes affect the environment. Fundamentals of Physical Volcanology is essential reading forundergraduate students in earth science.

Professor George Patrick Leonard Walker was one of the fathers of modern quantitative volcanology and arguably the foremost volcanologist of the twentieth century. In his long career, George studied a wide spectrum of volcanological problems and in doing so influenced almost every branch of the field. This volume, which honours his memory and his contributions to the field of volcanology, contains a collection of papers inspired by, and building upon, many of the ideas previously developed by George. Many of the contributors either directly studied under and worked with George, or were profoundly influenced by his ideas. The topics broadly fall under the three themes of lava flows and effusion, explosive volcanism, and volcanoes and their infrastructure.

This book is a substantially updated, revised and extended version of the book Volcanic Successions, published by Cas and Wright back in 1987. Divided into six major parts, it offers comprehensive information on magma properties; fragmentation processes; subaerial and subaqueous lava types and field textures; sub-volcanic intrusions; explosive or pyroclastic eruptions and deposits; surface sedimentary processes; hydrothermal alteration and lithification, and effects on volcanic rock textures; terminology and approaches to describing and mapping volcanic rocks and terrains; geology of volcanoes and facies models; volcanism and tectonic setting; and to conclude, volcanic-hosted resources. It is a highly up-to-date text, presenting a coherent flow of topics, together with excellent visual material to illustrate key points and deposit features. The new authorship team consists of Ray Cas, Guido Giordano and John Wright, all of whom have extensive experience across the complete spectrum of volcanological processes and deposit types discussed in this exciting new book. The authors approach the diversity of products in volcanic terrains as facies, and use facies analysis and interpretation as a means of constructing facies models for different volcanic settings and their resources. The book is intended as a textbook and research reference book for senior undergraduate and graduate students, researchers and professionals alike.

Statistics in Volcanology is a comprehensive guide to modern statistical methods applied in volcanology written by today's leading authorities. The volume aims to show how the statistical analysis of complex volcanological data sets, including time series, and numerical models of volcanic processes can improve our ability to forecast volcanic eruptions. Specific topics include the use of expert elicitation and Bayesian methods in eruption forecasting, statistical models of temporal and spatial patterns of volcanic activity, analysis of time series in volcano seismology, probabilistic hazard assessment, and assessment of numerical models using robust statistical methods. Also provided are comprehensive overviews of volcanic phenomena, and a full glossary of both volcanological and statistical terms. Statistics in Volcanology is essential reading for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and research scientists interested in this multidisciplinary field.

Volcanic eruptions are common, with more than 50 volcanic eruptions in the United States alone in the past 31 years. These eruptions can have devastating economic and social consequences, even at great distances from the volcano. Fortunately many eruptions are preceded by unrest that can be detected using ground, airborne, and spaceborne instruments. Data from these instruments, combined with basic understanding of how volcanoes work, form the basis for forecasting eruptionsâ€"where, when, how big, how long, and the consequences. Accurate forecasts of the likelihood and magnitude of an eruption in a specified timeframe are rooted in a scientific understanding of the processes that govern the storage, ascent, and eruption of magma. Yet our understanding of volcanic systems is incomplete and biased by the limited number of volcanoes and eruption styles observed with advanced instrumentation. Volcanic Eruptions and Their Repose, Unrest, Precursors, and Timing identifies key science questions, research and observation priorities, and approaches for building a volcano science community capable of tackling them. This report presents goals for making major advances in volcano science.

What does it take for a volcanic eruption to really shake the world? Did volcanic eruptions extinguish the dinosaurs, or help humans to evolve, only to decimate their populations with a super-eruption 73,000 years ago? Did they contribute to the ebb and flow of ancient empires, the French Revolution and the rise of fascism in Europe in the 19th century? These are some of the claims made for volcanic cataclysm. Volcanologist Clive Oppenheimer explores rich geological, historical, archaeological and palaeoenvironmental records (such as ice cores and tree rings) to tell the stories behind some of the greatest volcanic events of the past quarter of a billion years. He shows how a forensic approach to volcanology reveals the richness and complexity behind cause and effect, and argues that important lessons for future catastrophe risk management can be drawn from understanding events that took place even at the dawn of human origins.