Dangerous Neighbors: Volcanoes and Cities

An engaging, global exploration of cities threatened by volcanoes, studying historical and contemporary eruptions, and cities' efforts at hazard response.

Grant Heiken (Author), Jody Heiken (Edited by), Julie Wilbert (Illustrated by)

9781107039230, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 10 October 2013

196 pages, 57 b/w illus.
23.5 x 15.8 x 1.5 cm, 0.46 kg

'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

What are the real risks posed by a volcanic eruption near a city – what is fact and what is myth? How have volcanic eruptions affected cities in the past, and how can we learn from these events? Why do communities continue to develop in such locations, despite the obvious threat? In this fascinating book, Grant Heiken explores global examples of cities at risk from volcanoes, from Italy, the US, Mexico, Ecuador, The Philippines, Japan and New Zealand, providing historical and contemporary eruption case studies to illustrate volcanic hazards, and cities' efforts to respond to them, both good and poor. He shows that truly successful volcanic hazard mitigation cannot be accomplished without collaboration between experts in geology and natural hazards, public health, medicine, city and infrastructure planning, and civil protection. This is a topical and engaging read for anyone interested in the history and future activity of these dangerous neighbors.

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.

Subject Areas: Regional & area planning [RP], The environment [RN], Earth sciences [RB], Earth sciences, geography, environment, planning [R]