Preface; Acknowledgements; Introduction: dangerous neighbors, volcanoes near cities; 1. Too many people and too many volcanoes – Naples, Italy; 2. A full menu of volcanic hazards – Mexico City; 3. 'Like dangerous, yet undeniably beautiful women' – Guagua Pichincha and Cotopaxi volcanoes near Quito, Ecuador; 4. Dangerous neighbors but some bring gifts – Manila megacity, Philippines; 5. 'It's part of the culture. Live with it!' – cities in Japan; 6. Volcanic and proud of it – Auckland, New Zealand; 7. Coffee, software, aircraft, and volcanic mudflows – Seattle, Tacoma, and Portland, US; 8. A tale of two cities – Akrotiri (island of Santorini, Greece) and Plymouth (island of Montserrat, Caribbean); 9. The dangerous neighbor is restless – how should a city respond?; Recommendations for further reading; Index.
An engaging, global exploration of cities threatened by volcanoes, studying historical and contemporary eruptions, and cities' efforts at hazard response.
Grant Heiken is an expert in volcanology and interdisciplinary urban studies, having investigated volcanic regions on four continents and the Moon and co-written or edited 10 books, including Volcanoes: Crucibles of Change (1997). He holds a PhD in geology and has worked for NASA during the Apollo program as a researcher and a geology instructor for astronauts. For many years he worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory on geothermal development, many aspects of volcanology from hazard analysis to scientific drilling, and integrated urban science. He was President of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior from 1995 to 1999, and now works as a freelance writer.
'Dangerous Neighbors: Volcanoes and Cities is a timely and
authoritative wake-up call for over 60 global cities which Grant
Heiken has identified within range of the world's most dangerous
active volcanoes. Devising effective disaster reduction measures
for the wide range of volcanic hazards at these cities presents one
of the greatest environmental challenges of our times.' Peter J.
Baxter, University of Cambridge, former Consultant Physician in
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, and government and WHO
health adviser
'Since the beginning of the human race, volcanoes have fascinated
us, giving inspiration to legends and beliefs, but they also pose
serious threats to populations near and far. The examples included
in this book have been carefully chosen to fully cover the wide
spectrum of possible volcanic scenarios and to illustrate the
different problems modern societies face in protecting themselves
against volcanoes. Accessible to any interested readers, Heiken's
writing does not lack scientific rigour: this excellent book has
the potential to rapidly become a bestseller among all those who
work with and love volcanoes.' Joan Martí, Institute of Earth
Sciences Jaume Almera, Secretary General, IAVCEI, and
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research
'In this excellent book, Heiken places the dangers and disaster
potential of populated volcanoes within a varied context of local
culture, geologic research, public planning and politics. Like
great earthquakes, the world's great volcanoes are ticking
time-bombs. This book is a must-read for anyone in the business of
hazard forecasting, planning and mitigation in cities located near
volcanoes.' Erik Hauri, Carnegie Institution of Washington
'Noted volcanologist Grant Heiken blends historical and
archaeological evidence of past urban-volcanic interactions, and
shows how current cultural practices and demographic trends shape
how people can live with the threat of volcanic activity. This
engaging and well-written book will be of interest to a variety of
audiences from students with interests in volcano science, cultural
anthropology, sustainability, and urban planning, to the general
public wanting to learn more about how volcanoes affect our urban
environment.' Thomas Casadevall, Scientist Emeritus, US Geological
Survey
'Not only is this a great book, but it would serve as a wonderful
basis for a TV series of science documentaries. Heiken has more
than 40 years' experience in studying volcanic hazards, and here he
has chosen to write in detail about a dozen cities around the globe
with histories of nearby volcanism and threat of future disaster.'
W. Dimmick, Central Connecticut State University
'… provides an integrated picture of how volcanic eruptions have
affected cities in the past, and the lessons we can learn from
these events to prevent death, disruption of life, and loss of
property in the future. … The text is lively and the book is
written in conversational style. It is also clear that the author
has personally visited the sites discussed, and his affection for
these settings comes through in his writing. The book is very
accessible to the general reader, even if one has little scientific
background. Terminology is explained and illustrated with clear
examples.' Risa Palm, AAG Review of Books
'Grant Heiken, a world-renowned volcanologist, has written a book
based on his long history investigating volcanic hazards that is
absolutely riveting. Eight of the ten chapters focus on the
interplay between major metropolises and destructive volcanoes … It
deals at length with the quandary posed over how to educate the
populous and government officials at all levels. Heiken also
postulates how scientists can provide potential risk and hazard
assessments in a manner that can be understood by the public … The
book provides many great and in places dramatic photographs along
with a chart listing large city populations and the last
significant eruption by a nearby volcano. These are truly eye
opening images. In addition, the frontispiece of the book contains
definitions and descriptions of many volcanic phenomena central to
understanding the book.' Florie Caporuscio, American Mineralogist
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