Publisher's Synopsis
There is no process in geology that, on closer inspection, can be called simple. Compared to the processes on the similar scale, the mineralization of a fumarole or a fumarolic field might well be the most complex one. It happens in an open system with high kinetic energy, high mass transport rate, and subject to constantly fluctuating conditions. It involves reactions of gases, fluids, and solids at the boundary between the atmosphere, volcanic gases, meteoric water, hydrothermal solutions, lava, and country rock. Volcanic eruptions are an important natural cause of climate change on many timescales. A new capability to predict the climatic response to a large tropical eruption for the succeeding two years will prove valuable to society. In addition, to detect and attribute anthropogenic influences on climate, including effects of greenhouse gases, aerosols, and ozone-depleting chemicals, it is crucial to quantify the natural fluctuations so as to separate them from anthropogenic fluctuations in the climate record. Volcanoes of the World brings together research studies relating to volcanism and particularly its societal impacts; genuinely reflects the diversity of volcanological researches in recent years and documents new look at geological problems associated with volcanism and volcanic hazard research. The content from this book represent perfectly the current trends in volcanology as merging research directions from geophysical aspects of volcanology and its traditional field-based methods. Studying the responses of climate to volcanic eruptions also helps us to better understand important radiative and dynamical processes that respond in the climate system to both natural and anthropogenic forcings. Furthermore, modeling the effects of volcanic eruptions helps to improve climate models that are needed to study anthropogenic effects. This book hence can equally be useful for students and researchers, as well as practitioners.
