In 1993 Stanley Williams, an eminent volcanologist, was standing on top of a Colombian volcano called Galeras when it erupted, incinerating several of his colleagues instantly. As Williams tried to escape the mountain's fury, the volcano pelted him with white-hot projectiles travelling literally faster than speeding bullets. Within minutes he was cut down, his skull fractured, his right leg almost severed, his backpack aflame. Williams lay helpless and near death on Galeras' flank as volcanic bombs continued to rain down on him until two brave women - friends and fellow volcanologists - mounted an astonishing rescue effort to carry him safely off the mountain.The tale of how Williams survived Galeras becomes the framework for this fascinating book about the tiny group of scientists who risk their own lives to save others. It is also an absorbing account of volcanoes, and their physical and cultural impact: Vesuvius' famous explosion in AD 79; the Laki eruptions in Iceland in 1793; and the subsequent 'haze famine' which killed one fifth of the population; and Tamboura, which, in 1815, plunged an area of 300 miles into darkness for two days.

This true, up-close account of a volcano’s eruption “artfully blends science writing and history with pure, heart-pounding action” (Mark Bowden, bestselling author of Black Hawk Down). In 1993, Stanley Williams, an eminent volcanologist, was standing on top of a Colombian volcano called Galeras when it erupted, killing six of his colleagues instantly. As Williams tried to escape the blast, he was pelted with white-hot projectiles traveling faster than bullets. Within seconds he was cut down, his skull fractured, his right leg almost severed, his backpack aflame. Williams lay helpless and near death on Galeras’s flank until two brave women—friends and fellow volcanologists—mounted an astonishing rescue effort to carry him safely off the mountain. Surviving Galeras is both a harrowing first-person account of an eruption and its aftermath, and a look at the fascinating, high-risk world of volcanology, exploring the profound impact volcanoes have had on the earth’s landscapes and civilizations. Even with improved, highly-sensitive measuring tools and protective equipment, at least one volcanologist, on average, dies each year. This book reveals how Williams and his fellow scientist-adventurers continue to unveil the enigmatic and miraculous workings of volcanoes and piece together methods to predict their actions—potentially saving many human lives. “I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent book . . . [A] riveting story.” —Dava Sobel, author of The Glass Universe “Popular science at its best.” —The New York Times “[A] page-turner.” —Booklist

"Cam glances out the window of his Hawaii hotel room just in time to see the nearby 'inactive' volcano explode! Chunks of rock and lava cascade down into the city. Cam knows he needs to find his family and get out fast, but a river of lava runs between him and his loved ones"--Provided by publisher.

Could you survive inside a volcano's crater? Michael Benson: Trapped in a Volcano in the True Survival series explores Benson's shocking survival story. The book is written with a high interest level and lower level of complexity to serve more mature students reading at lower levels. Clear visuals, colorful photographs (including images of the survivors!), and considerate text help with comprehension and wild facts hold the readers' interest from the first page to the last. This book includes a table of contents, glossary, index, author biography, and sidebars.

In 1980s Washington state, Mt. St. Helens is rumbling. Twelve-year-old Maribel isn't concerned at first, despite officials evacuating her neighborhood. Her family is convinced it's just a precaution, even as the mountain continues to rumble. Maribel decides to disobey orders and return home for items she and her sister left behind - just as the volcano finally erupts. As ash rains down, Maribel realizes she must learn to focus if she's going to survive.

Many people are surprised by the existence of a volcano in Yellowstone Park, so they might be even more alarmed to learn that some scientists think the area is home to a "supervolcano." It's entirely possible that this opening in Earth's crust will erupt with mind-boggling results. Volcanologists closely monitor the seismic activity in this region, but it can't hurt to be prepared. This high-interest book combines science knowledge with survival know-how and explains the best way to survive a volcanic eruption and its aftermath. After researching the accessible advice, readers will develop their own fail-safe strategy to survive the Yellowstone supervolcano and similar disasters.

With every major disaster, there are amazing tales of survival. This book covers some of them.