Volcanic rocks and soils show a peculiar mechanical behaviour at both laboratory and in-situ scale due to their typical structural characters. Volcanic rocks and soils contains keynote lectures and papers from the International Workshop held in Ischia (Italy), 24-25 September 2015. The book deals with recent developments and advancements, as well as case histories, in the geotechnical characterization and engineering applications related to volcanic formations. It covers a variety of themes, including: • Geotechnical characterization under both static and cyclic/dynamic loading conditions, with special regard to structural properties at different scales (microstructural features; field and laboratory characterization; construction materials); • Geotechnical aspects of natural hazards (slope stability; seismic risk); • Geotechnical problems of engineering structures (foundations; embankments; excavations and tunnels). Volcanic Rocks and Soils is of interest to scientists and practitioners in the fields of rock and soil mechanics, geotechnical engineering, engineering geology and geology.

Volcanic rocks and soils show a peculiar mechanical behaviour at both laboratory and in-situ scale due to their typical structural characters. Volcanic rocks and soils contains keynote lectures and papers from the International Workshop held in Ischia (Italy), 24-25 September 2015. The book deals with recent developments and advancements, as well as case histories, in the geotechnical characterization and engineering applications related to volcanic formations. It covers a variety of themes, including: • Geotechnical characterization under both static and cyclic/dynamic loading conditions, with special regard to structural properties at different scales (microstructural features; field and laboratory characterization; construction materials); • Geotechnical aspects of natural hazards (slope stability; seismic risk); • Geotechnical problems of engineering structures (foundations; embankments; excavations and tunnels). Volcanic Rocks and Soils is of interest to scientists and practitioners in the fields of rock and soil mechanics, geotechnical engineering, engineering geology and geology.

This book compiles information gained by an EU research network over six years of research on European volcanic soils. It gives comprehensive coverage of soils in volcanic regions within Europe, dealing with most aspects of modern day soil science. New methodology is introduced and the synthesis of the research casts a new light on soils with andic soil properties.

Rocks and soil—they’re always underfoot. They’re also in space, inside Earth, and in volcanoes. In this book, readers will discover how rocks, soil, and minerals are formed, and what they’re made of. Activities and questions expand on topics introduced in the text, and stimulate readers to think critically about rocks and soil. Readers will develop the skills to question and experiment scientifically, and the vocabulary to record and discuss their observations.

Audience: Students studying environmental science or participating in an Envirothon or Science Olympiad will find Know Soil, Know Life is an easily accessible resource. Undergraduate students in introductory ecology and environmental science classes will have a manageable soils textbook. Scientists in related disciplines wildlife, forestry, geology, hydrology, biology, zoology will enjoy this engaging introduction to soils.

Volcanic eruptions are generally viewed as agents of destruction, yet they provide the parent materials from which some of the most productive soils in the world are formed. The high productivity results from a combination of unique physical, chemical and mineralogical properties. The importance and uniqueness of volcanic ash soils are exemplified by the recent establishment of the Andisol soil order in Soil Taxonomy. This book provides the first comprehensive synthesis of all aspects of volcanic ash soils in a single volume. It contains in-depth coverage of important topics including terminology, morphology, genesis, classification, mineralogy, chemistry, physical properties, productivity and utilization. A wealth of data (37 tables, 81 figures, and Appendix) mainly from the Tohoku University Andisol Data Base is used to illustrate major concepts. Twelve color plates provide a valuable visual-aid and complement the text description of the world-wide distribution for volcanic ash soils. This volume will serve as a valuable reference for soil scientists, plant scientists, ecologists and geochemists interested in biogeochemical processes occurring in soils derived form volcanic ejecta.