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, if 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. Through its thematic organization around the melting of the earth, it provides a comprehensive source of information on the multidisciplinary influences of volcanic eruptions--both the destructive as well as the beneficial aspects. The majority of the chapters focus on the geoscience-related aspects of volcanism (radioactive heat source, melting rock, ascent of magma, surface phenomena associated with exiting magma, extraterrestrial volcanism, etc.). In addition, complementary chapters discuss the multidisciplinary aspects of volcanism; these include 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. In addition to its appeal to educators, students, and professional and amateur scientists, the Encyclopedia of Volcanoes functions as an important information resource for administrators and officials responsible for developing and implementing volcanic hazard mitigation around the world. * The first and only reference work to cover all aspects of volcanology * More than 80 separate peer-reviewed articles--all original contributions by leading authors from major institutions of science around the world, commissioned for this work * An integrated transition from the volcanic process through hazards, risk, and societal impacts, with an emphasis on how volcanoes have influenced and shaped society * Convenient single-volume format with topics arranged thematically--articles provide coverage of nine different aspects of volcanology * Each entry in the Encyclopedia begins with an outline of the article content and a concise definition of the subject of the article * 3,000 Glossary entries explain key terms * Further Reading lists appear at the end of each entry * Extensive cross-referencing system links related articles * Sixteen pages of color will convey the science and excitement of this often violent phenomena * Large 8 1/2" x 11" page size, easy-to-read double-column format This impressive work covers all aspects of volcanism. Written by over 100 international scholars in the field, the articles are arranged in nine thematic sections, beginning in the center of the earth with the origin and transport of magma, moving through the different types of eruptions, and finally investigating volcanic interactions, hazards, and economics. There is even a section on extraterrestrial volcanism. Geared for college students and researchers, the well-written articles include a glossary that defines terms within the context of the article, which is very helpful to readers unfamiliar with the terminology. A list of related articles and a bibliography of further readings provide users with additional sources of information. The encyclopedia also includes a catalog of historically active volcanoes on Earth. Works such as The Encyclopedia of Earthquakes & Volcanoes (Facts on File, 1994) are nowhere near as comprehensive as this volume. The thematic organization allows the user the choice of reading a single article on a limited topic or reading the entire section for a full overview. In fact, the entire work could be read from beginning to end, if desired. An excellent source for those who want more than general information on any aspect of volcanology, this volume is highly recommended for academic libraries. -Teresa Berry, Univ. of Tennessee Lib., Knoxville Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. The centrality of volcanic processes in the history of our planet would be hard to overstate. Further, their impact on our environment continues to be significant. This volume is the first sophisticated attempt at a comprehensive reference work about volcanoes and volcanic processes. The editors are respected scientists who have published and lectured extensively on volcanology (the study of volcanoes). Articles were contributed by more than 100 international experts. Structure is thematic, with the 82 extensive articles organized into nine sections. After two very informative introductory articles that give an overview of volcanism and the history of volcanology, the first eight sections address the physical processes and materials produced by those processes. Part one is a discussion of magma; parts two through four address various types of volcanoes, eruptions, and materials flows. Volcanism elsewhere in the solar system, an area of growing interest, is the subject of part five. Parts