Description: Originally prepared for the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, this is the first comprehensive assessment of global volcanic hazards and risk, presenting the state of the art in our understanding of global volcanic activity. It examines our assessment and management capabilities, and considers the preparedness of the global scientific community and government agencies to manage volcanic hazards and risk. Particular attention is paid to volcanic ash, the most frequent and wide-ranging volcanic hazard. Of interest to government officials, the private sector, students and researchers, this book is a key resource for the disaster risk reduction community and for those interested in volcanology and natural hazards. A non-technical summary is included for policy makers. Regional volcanic hazard profiles, with invaluable information on volcanic hazards and risk at the local, national and global scale, are provided online. This title is available as an Open Access eBook via Cambridge Books Online.
Brief description: Professor Steve Sparks is a volcanologist at the University of Bristol and joint leader of the Global Volcano Model (GVM). With expertise in many aspects of volcanology, he is the most highly cited scientist in this field. His interests include volcanic hazards and risk, the physics of volcanic eruptions and fluid dynamics of hazardous flows. Professor Sparks has provided advice to governments during ongoing and developing volcanic emergencies in Montserrat and Iceland.
Review Quotes: 'With some exceptions, this largely descriptive text appears to be aimed at a non-technical audience, and thus provides a thorough grounding on the essential topics related to estimating volcanic risk. ... The most salient point of the book is the numerous case studies of volcanic hazards and risk management strategies, which present an invaluable framework for policy makers and those wishing to understand the decision-making process. ... In addition to providing a detailed analytical framework for volcanic hazards, this book also contains many useful tables and figures of data, which are clearly presented and well organized. ... The wealth of figures and diagrams, and the general lack of confusing technical jargon make this a highly accessible text to those without a geological background, while also providing helpful and practical insights to those who already understand the basics.' Claire L. Cooper, American Mineralogist