"Volcanoes have been feared, admired, and even worshipped by some cultures. Many times their eruptions have been unexpected and often deadly. Volcanologists specialize in different areas that are related to volcanoes. By gathering data and studying actual volcanic eruptions, they map the deposits that make up the volcano and collect samples to analyze. By dating and identifying the volcanic samples, they learn about a volcano's history. It's a hot job, but someone has to do it!"--Page 4 of cover.