Since the dawn of time, catastrophes have wracked the earth, causing vast destruction and mass extinction, forever changing the path of evolution. Sixty-five million years ago, the dinosaurs and two-thirds of all living species ceased to exist. \[P\] Originally published in 1995 in French, \[I\]Evolutionary Catastrophes\[/I\] tells the story of earth's great ecological crises. From Italy to Tibet, India to Mexico, this volume travels the globe investigating and examining every possible piece of evidence that may hold answers to the well-asked questions: Exactly what happened to the dinosaurs, and is it possible that such a catastrophe will visit the earth once again? \[P\] An expert on the subject, Vincent Courtillot contrasts the two main theories that have emerged to account for these dramatic events and a source of much debate within the scientific community. One side believes that the destruction resulted from the impact of an asteroid upon the earth, the other holds that massive volcanic eruptions are the cause; both, however, are blamed for leading to nuclear-like winter and mass extinction. The volume also reveals that deciphering past catastrophes may perhaps be the only way of predicting the future effects of human activity on this planet's climate.\[P\] Holding the excitement of a great mystery as well as the intensity of a hotly contested debate, this volume allows readers to experience a search for answers that has inflamed both scientific research and the popular imagination.\[P\] \[I\]Vincent Courtillot\[/I\] is a graduate of the Paris School of Mines, Stanford University, and the University of Paris. He is Professor of Geophysics at the University of Paris and the Director of Institut de Physique du Globe. His work has focused on time variations of the Earth's magnetic field, plate tectonics, magnetic reversals, and Flood Basalts and their possible relation to mass extinctions. He has published 150 papers in professional journals.

Periodically in the prehistory of the earth, mass extinctions have wiped out masses of species. Courtillot (geophysics, U. of Paris, France) argues the case for believing that these mass extinctions were almost solely the result of volcanic activities. After comparing the other proposed cause of asteroid impact, he details the correlations between volcanic activity and extinctions and explains the likely results of heightened volcanic activity. He also cites the Chicxulub impact crater in the Yucatan as the strongest piece of countervailing evidence and calls into question some of the conclusions drawn from the crater.
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"Revolutionary Catastrophes tips its hat to other viewpoints, and so builds a more compelling argument...from almost the beginning of the debate, Courtillot has played a central role...his overall open-mindedness stands out." The Sciences"Courtillot gives a well-argued taste of the debate for the general reader." Nature"The style of Evolutionary Catastrophes is lively and engaging and the figures are simple, clear, and intellectually stimulating.... [This book] provides a refreshingly balanced consideration of contributions from international scholars, and also highlights some of the early and less well-known contributions to the impact and volcanic theories of the K/T crisis. Evolutionary Catastrophes is written at an easily accessible scientific level; it is appropriate for students and non-scientists; but its thorough, concise coverage of vital research topics will be of considerable value to specialists.... [This book] celebrates scientific research into geodynamics, meteorite impacts, and mass extinctions; research that is as important to understanding the history of our planet as it is to the extinction rates of the present." Willis Hames, Auburn University"Excellent...A well written and well-reasoned book, essential for any library." Choice

Mass extinction and cataclysmic volcanic activity: will fascinate everyone interested in the history of life and death on our planet.

Vincent Courtillot suggests that cataclysmic volcanic activity is linked to the death of the dinosaurs and other dramatic mass extinction events. His book debunks some of the myths surrounding one of science's most controversial arguments, and will fascinate everyone interested in the history of life and death on our planet.

Why did the dinosaurs and two-thirds of all living species vanish from the face of the Earth sixty-five million years ago? Throughout the history of life a small number of catastrophic events have caused mass extinction, and changed the path of evolution forever. Two main theories have emerged to account for these dramatic events: asteroid impact, and massive volcanic eruptions, both leading to nuclear-like winter. In recent years, the impact hypothesis has gained precedence, but Vincent Courtillot suggests that cataclysmic volcanic activity can be linked not only to the K-T mass extinction, but to most of the main mass extinction events in the history of the Earth. Courtillot's book debunks some of the myths surrounding one of the most controversial arguments in science. This story will fascinate everyone interested in the history of life and death on our planet.

Mass extinction and cataclysmic volcanic activity: will fascinate everyone interested in the history of life and death on our planet.

Vincent Courtillot is Professor of Geophysics at the University of Paris, heads a research group at Institut de Physique du Globe and is special advisor to the French Ministry of National Education, Research and Technology.

Foreword Claude Allège; Preface; Preface to the English translation; 1. Mass extinctions; 2. An asteroid impact; 3. From the roof of the world to the Deccan traps; 4. The volcanic scenario; 5. Plumes and hotspots; 6. A remarkable correlation; 7. Nemesis or Shiva?; 8. Chicxulub; 9. Controversy and coincidence; 10. Improbable catastrophes and the flukes of evolution; Index.