The Bottom Line
- Solid information from a lifelong researcher
- Excellent illustrations, graphs and photos, all in color
- Depth and precision suitable for practicing geologists and advanced students
- Field examples from around the world
- Germanisms and typos are sometimes irritating but not fatal
- Not really suitable for lay readers
Description
- Volcanoes in all their aspects and variety are photographed inside and out
- Geochemistry, stratigraphy and morphology of lavas are illuminated in custom graphics
- Volcanic hazards, mitigation, climatic effects and societal impacts are treated in detail
Guide Review - Volcanism, by Hans-Ulrich Schmincke
A special strength of "Volcanism" is detailed treatments of historic eruptions that punctuate several chapters: these include Fuji, Miyakejima, Mount St. Helens, Pinatubo and Nevado del Ruiz. The wonderful Laacher See eruptive complex in Germany and the Canary Islands volcanoes also have prominent roles, particularly in the striking photos displaying the interior of these structures. Also, the text is sprinkled with compact and ingenious graphics that summarize large amounts of data in illuminating ways.
Although Schmincke states that his intended readers include teachers and lay people who are interested in volcanoes, without a science degree to prepare them these groups will find it an uphill slog. But his effort to give a broad-brush presentation is fruitful for geologists, science writers, analysts and anyone else with a deep and professional interest in geology.
