Volcanologists venture to treacherous volcanoes the world over in the
pursuit of their science. They work around craters of boiling magma and
amidst smoke, flames, scorched rocks, and clouds of noxious
gases--balancing personal risk against advancing knowledge about one of
nature's most dangerous and unpredictable forces. Richard Fisher, a
world-renowned volcanologist, has had more than forty years of
experience in the field. In this book, he blends autobiography with
clear, accessible science to introduce readers to the basics of
volcanology and to the wonders of volcanoes that he has studied and
learned to both fear and admire.
In the course of the book, we follow Fisher as he descends into the
steaming crater of the Soufri re Volcano on the island of St. Vincent,
as he conducts research on lava flows on the desolate south shore of the
Island of Hawaii, and as he struggles to understand the explosion at
Mount St. Helens. We learn about his pioneering work on pyroclastic
flows and surges--the hurricanes of gases, molten lava, and volcanic
debris that cause most of the death and destruction when volcanoes
explode. He tells of solving a historic scientific problem at Mount
Pelee, Martinique, where 29,000 people were killed in a pyroclastic flow
in 1902. Fisher also offers a volcanologist's view of the explosion of
Mount Vesuvius that devastated Pompeii and Herculaneum. He writes about
the cultural rewards and challenges of conducting research in isolated
areas of such countries as Argentina, Mexico, and China. And he
discusses the early influences that steered him toward
volcanology--including his army experiences as a witness to two
atom-bomb explosions at Bikini atoll.
Out of the Crater is written in an inviting, nontechnical style. With
its deft combination of personal stories and scientific information, it
is an inspiring account of a remarkable life and a compelling
examination of some of the most spectacular forces shaping the face of
the Earth.
