Dangerous Neighbors: Volcanoes and Cities
"Dangerous Neighbours 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." - Dr Peter J. Baxter, University of Cambridge, formerly Consultant Physician in Occupational and Environmental Medicine; health adviser to governments and WHO during many major volcanic eruptions"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." - Professor Joan Martí, Institute of Earth Sciences "Jaume Almera", CSIC, Barcelona; Secretary General of IAVCEI; Editor-in-Chief of 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." - Dr Erik Hauri, Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, 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." - Dr Thomas Casadevall, Scientist Emeritus, US Geological Survey