Foreword Claude Allège; Preface; Preface to the English translation; 1. Mass extinctions; 2. An asteroid impact; 3. From the roof of the world to the Deccan traps; 4. The volcanic scenario; 5. Plumes and hotspots; 6. A remarkable correlation; 7. Nemesis or Shiva?; 8. Chicxulub; 9. Controversy and coincidence; 10. Improbable catastrophes and the flukes of evolution; Index.
Mass extinction and cataclysmic volcanic activity: will fascinate everyone interested in the history of life and death on our planet.
Vincent Courtillot is Professor of Geophysics at the University of Paris, heads a research group at Institut de Physique du Globe and is special advisor to the French Ministry of National Education, Research and Technology.
'… a beautifully written little book that, once picked up, is
impossible to put down.' Geoscientist
' … watch this space and read this book.' Bob White, New
Scientist
'The book is very readable and provides a clear and concise picture
for anyone interested in the subject. The text is well written and
supported by clear footnotes where necessary and a comprehensive
glossary … [I] recommend this book for those at any stage in their
studies or knowledge. It is written for a general audience but
should not be missed by professionals.' Mike Hermolle, Open
University Geological Society Journal
'[Vincent Coutillot] has done a superb job! A balanced and fair
treatment of a complex of information, misinformation, and perhaps
even disinformation. Although written for a general audience, this
book should be obligatory reading for all professionals involved in
the controversies surrounding the causes of mass extinction. Even
the most committed will find their outlook broadened.' David M.
Raup, Formerly Professor of Paleontology, University of Chicago,
and author of Extinction, Bad Genes or Bad Luck? (Norton, 1991)
Praise for the original French edition: 'A real scientific thriller
… Vincent Courtillot brilliantly presents the stormy genesis of an
original, unifying theory on the origin of the great biological
extinctions which have marked the history of the earth.' Pascal
Tassy, La Recherche
Praise for the original French edition: '… a vividly written book
which … clarifies many points that have been shrouded in darkness
up until now'. French Edition of Scientific American
Praise for the original French edition: '… a science book and an
adventure book'. Ciel et Espace
Praise for the original French edition: 'To be read by all
paleontology, geology and ecology enthusiasts.' Sciences et
Avenir
'Courtillot makes an excellent case for other mass extinctions
being almost certainly related to cataclysmic volcanism. A
well-written and well-reasoned book, essential for any library.' M.
A. Wilson, Choice
'It is rare to find a first-rate geoscientist who can write a
first-rate popular book on science, but Professor Courtillot is one
such … a lively exposition of the idea that mantle processes cause
major stress to ecosystems. It is beautifully written … The pace is
fast, but the data well explained and authoritatively considered …
Anyone with an interest in mass extinctions or in the episodic and
catastrophic nature of teh Earth's internal processes should rush
out and read this book. It is a rewarding experience.' Susan Rigby,
University of Edinburgh
'The description of how the conclusions were reached and confronted
with views of the extraterrestrial party is vivid and instructive
to non-geophysicists (I am among them).' Journal of Sedimentary
Research
'Read and enjoy this book … It represents a pleasantly argued
counterpoint to the rather shrill and abrasively dismissive
'impacticist' views.' David Norman, The Times Higher Education
Supplement
'… covers the topic brilliantly. You can easily read Evolutionary
Catastrophes in one weekend, particularly because uou will not want
to put it down.' Willis Hames, Auburn University
' … well-argued taste of the debate for the general reader.'
Nature
'… professionals … will read it with the same pleasure as
non-specialists.' Zentralblatt fur Geologie und Palaontologie
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