Volcanoes: What's Hot and What's Not on Earth and in Our Solar System

Unmatched in their power and violence, volcanoes are also beautiful and surprisingly beneficial. As revealed in Volcanoes: What's Hot and What's Not on Earth and in Our Solar System, the molten rock beneath our feet continues to shape our world and contributes to the chemistry of life itself. Join geologist and educator Ian Lange for an in-depth survey of volcanism, from magma generation, plate tectonics, caldera formation, and hot spots to basalt floods, pyroclastic flows, lahars, super volcanoes, and more. Lange also explains topics seldom covered in volcano books, such as magma chemistry, volcanic production of metals and minerals, life on hydrothermal vents, and ash effects on aviation.

Discover the fascinating answers to some of science's greatest puzzles: Why do some volcanoes explode violently while others slowly ooze lava? How does water make eruptions more explosive? Which of Earth's volcanoes are the most dangerous? Can volcanic eruptions be predicted? How do eruptions effect the Earth's climate? Where is the largest volcano in our solar system?

With clear, lively text, photographs, and illustrations, Volcanoes: What's Hot and What's Not on Earth and in Our Solar System is a must-read for the scientist and layperson alike.

Includes 91 photos; 47 maps; 60 charts, tables, & diagrams; references; & index.