Download or read book Volcanoes: a Very Short Introduction written by Michael J. Branney and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 2020-11-26 with total page 185 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Throughout our planet's history volcanoes have played a large role in shaping landscapes, the climate, and biological evolution. This book explains the fundamental mechanisms of volcanism, considering why volcanoes are essential for life on Earth, and how they interact with the Earth's other physical processes, and with human society.