response to the recent rapid growth and diversifica­ tion of tephra studies we decided to coordinate a NATO Advanced Studies Institute under the auspices of the INQUA Commission on Tephra. The ASI, entitled "Tephra Studies as a Tool in Quaternary Research," was held from June 18th to June 29th, 1980, at Laugarvatn in Iceland. This book represents the proceedings of that Institute and is the first book dedicated to tephra studies, its many uses and applications. The subject matter combines disciplines as diverse as Quaternary strati­ graphy, isotope geochronology, petrology, deep-sea geology, volcanology, volcanic hazards mapping, archaeology and ecology in one volume, and illustrates both present uses and future potential of tephra research.