Earth is the only planet known to have fire. The reason is both simple
and profound: fire exists because Earth is the only planet to possess
life as we know it. Fire is an expression of life on Earth and an index
of life's history. Few processes are as integral, unique, or ancient.
Fire on Earth puts fire in its rightful place as an integral part of
the study of geology, biology, human history, physics, and global
chemistry. Fire is ubiquitous in various forms throughout Earth, and
belongs as part of formal inquiries about our world. In recent years
fire literature has multiplied exponentially; dedicated journals exist
and half a dozen international conferences are held annually. A host of
formal sciences, or programs announcing interdisciplinary intentions,
are willing to consider fire. Wildfire also appears routinely in media
reporting.
This full-colour text, containing over 250 illustrations of fire in all
contexts, is designed to provide a synthesis of contemporary thinking;
bringing together the most powerful concepts and disciplinary voices to
examine, in an international setting, why planetary fire exists, how it
works, and why it looks the way it does today. Students, lecturers,
researchers and professionals interested in the physical, ecological and
historical characteristics of fire will find this book, and accompanying
web-based material, essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate
courses in all related disciplines, for general interest and for
providing an interdisciplinary foundation for further study.
- A comprehensive approach to the history, behaviour and ecological
effects of fire on earth
- Timely introduction to this important subject, with relevance for
global climate change, biodiversity loss and the evolution of human
culture.
- Provides a foundation for the interdisciplinary field of Fire Research
- Authored by an international team of leading experts in the field
- Associated website provides additional resources
