Publisher's Synopsis
Volcanoes are big movers and shakers in the business of continually redesigning the Earth's landscape. Volcanoes are essential elements in the delicate global balance of elemental forces that govern both the dynamic evolution of the Earth and the nature of Life itself. Without volcanic activity, life as we know it would not exist on our planet. With no concern for nearby people or ecosystems, volcanoes release toxic gases, climate-altering ash, lava and rock. How does this work? Are scientists getting better at predicting volcanic eruptions? When considering volcanic hazards, the knowledge of the following elements is essential: the geological past of a volcano, the geological structure of a volcano and its tectonic setting, and the subsurface processes taking place inside a restless or awakening volcano or deep underneath it within the crust and upper mantle. Processes associated with the physical and chemical changes in the magma storage system and intruding fresh magma both lead to changes in subsurface stress field producing strain that manifests itself on the surface in terms of surface deformations. When compared with the catastrophic loss of lives and property resulting from typhoons, earthquakes, and floods, losses from the more infrequent but equally devastating volcanic eruptions are often overlooked. Volcanic events are usually dramatic, but their various effects may occur almost imperceptibly or with horrendous speed and destruction. The intermittent nature of this activity makes it difficult to maintain public awareness of the risks. Assessing volcanic hazards and their risks remains a major challenge for volcanologists. Volcanological experience has proven that the inflation (or deformation in general) of the volcano edifice is an essential precursor of volcanic eruptions. Therefore, the monitoring of surface deformations plays an irreplaceable role in volcanic threat assessment. Volcanoes: Global Perspectives presents research and review works on volcanological problems that could be used as valuable resource for both researchers and graduate research students. The topics covered include understanding the impacts of eruptions on communities, new methods for risk analysis; improving risk management; enhancing community mitigation, preparedness, response to and recovery from volcanic hazard events; health issues related to volcanism; social adaptation to volcanic hazards; policy and institutional aspects of disaster risk management.
