Fire on Earth (ePub)

Earth is the only planet known to have fire. The reason is
both simple and profound: fire exists because Earth is the only
planet to possess life as we know it. Fire is an expression of life
on Earth and an index of life's history. Few processes are as
integral, unique, or ancient.

Fire on Earth puts fire in its rightful place as an
integral part of the study of geology, biology, human history,
physics, and global chemistry. Fire is ubiquitous in various forms
throughout Earth, and belongs as part of formal inquiries about our
world. In recent years fire literature has multiplied
exponentially; dedicated journals exist and half a dozen
international conferences are held annually. A host of formal
sciences, or programs announcing interdisciplinary intentions, are
willing to consider fire. Wildfire also appears routinely in media
reporting.

This full-colour text, containing over 250 illustrations of fire
in all contexts, is designed to provide a synthesis of contemporary
thinking; bringing together the most powerful concepts and
disciplinary voices to examine, in an international setting, why
planetary fire exists, how it works, and why it looks the way it
does today. Students, lecturers, researchers and professionals
interested in the physical, ecological and historical
characteristics of fire will find this book, and accompanying
web-based material, essential reading for undergraduate and
postgraduate courses in all related disciplines, for general
interest and for providing an interdisciplinary foundation for
further study.

* A comprehensive approach to the history, behaviour and
ecological effects of fire on earth

* Timely introduction to this important subject, with relevance
for global climate change, biodiversity loss and the evolution of
human culture.

* Provides a foundation for the interdisciplinary field of Fire
Research

* Authored by an international team of leading experts in the
field

* Associated website provides additional resources