"Despite the unpredictable danger they pose, volcanoes are a crucial part of maintaining life on Earth. Thrill-seekers around the globe have ventured to these locations, from the fiery Mount Vesuvius to the towering Mauna Loa. Readers discover the science behind volcanic eruptions, learn how people and wildlife survive near these volatile giants, and explore the role volcanoes continue to play in shaping our planet. Dramatic full-color photos and mind-blowing fact boxes augment the intriguing main text, bringing these extreme environments to life"--.