Volcanoes are capable of acts of pyrotechnical prowess verging on magic: they spout black magma
more fluid than water create shimmering cities of glass at the bottom of the ocean and frozen
lakes of lava on the moon and can even tip entire planets over. Between lava that melts and
re-forms the landscape and noxious volcanic gases that poison the atmosphere volcanoes have
threatened life on Earth countless times in our planet's history. Yet despite their reputation
for destruction volcanoes are inseparable from the creation of our planet. A lively and
utterly fascinating guide to these geologic wonders Super Volcanoes revels in the incomparable
power of volcanic eruptions past and present Earthbound and otherwise-and recounts the daring
and sometimes death-defying careers of the scientists who study them. Science journalist and
volcanologist Robin George Andrews explores how these eruptions reveal secrets about the worlds
to which they belong describing the stunning ways in which volcanoes can sculpt the sea land
and sky and even influence the machinery that makes or breaks the existence of life. Walking
us through the mechanics of some of the most infamous eruptions on Earth Andrews outlines what
we know about how volcanoes form erupt and evolve as well as what scientists are still trying
to puzzle out. How can we better predict when a deadly eruption will occur-and protect
communities in the danger zone? Is Earth's system of plate tectonics unique in the solar
system the best way to forge a planet that supports life? And if life can survive and even
thrive in Earth's extreme volcanic environments-superhot super acidic and super saline
surroundings previously thought to be completely inhospitable-where else in the universe might
we find it? Traveling from Hawai'i Yellowstone Tanzania and the ocean floor to the moon
Venus and Mars Andrews illuminates the cutting-edge discoveries and lingering scientific
mysteries surrounding these phenomenal forces of nature.
