Nature's Wrath: The Science Behind Natural Disasters

Tsunamis can involve waves that move as fast as passenger jets and grow to heights taller than skyscrapers. As astonishing as these huge waves might be, they're also a deadly phenomenon happening more often around the world. Readers will encounter some of the most destructive tsunamis of all time while they explore the science behind these occurrences. An explanation of plate tectonics and wave formations are a few of the exciting science concepts that readers are introduced to through real-life examples and lots of surprising facts. Full-color photographs and detailed illustrations will guide readers through one of nature's scariest disasters, while highlighting the populations tsunamis have affected-and those they will affect in the future.

When the intense winds of a hurricane start to blow, they sound like a freight train coming. Depending where in the world this huge storm hits, it might be called a cyclone or a typhoon. But location doesn't make the hurricane-level wind and rain any less devastating. Readers will learn all about the causes of hurricanes, and their disastrous effects. Vivid photographs will amplify accessible science content as well as examples of some of the worst hurricanes in recent history. With detailed timelines from 2005's Hurricane Katrina and several other storms, readers will be introduced to incredible science while encouraged to compound their knowledge and compassion about the world around them.

Made of snow, ice, and rocks, avalanches can start in a variety of ways, including by people. Readers will explore the causes and effects of different kinds of avalanches through fact-filled and accessible content. Real-life photographs will engage readers while reinforcing the science concepts behind examples of modern, devastating avalanches. Enhanced by interesting fact boxes and timelines of real avalanches, readers will be guided through safety and disaster relief so they'll be able to act if caught out in the cold when the snow starts to fall.

Hot bubbling lava, ash, and explosions-this captivating book takes readers inside a volcano with approachable text and engaging diagrams to explain the true science behind these sleeping giants. Detailed text and vivid photographs cover specifics including how volcanoes are created as well as the gases and natural forces that make them explode. Fact boxes and insets provide essential facts and figures about our world's volcanic activity, while a section called "Real-Life Science" explains historic volcanic eruptions that have stood out for their size and impact on surrounding areas. Discussing the scientific, geographical, and economic impacts of a volcanic eruption, this book treats the subject matter in a matter-of-fact but reverent way, appreciating this natural phenomenon while always underscoring the danger that it can bring.

In January 1994, an earthquake shook a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, so hard that highway overpasses immediately collapsed. Gas pipes burst and buildings caught on fire. Sixteen people died in a fallen apartment building. As one of the most common natural disasters in the world, earthquakes can be a terrifying force of nature. Readers will be introduced to the amazing science behind an earthquake occurrence in addition to modern examples of earthquakes from all over the world. Including seismology and disaster relief, accessible content will engage readers while full-color photographs augment detailed timelines of featured earthquakes. Powered by information, readers will be ready to do more than just duck and cover when an earthquake hits.

Hundred-mile winds and sky-high funnel clouds can mean only one thing: a tornado is coming. Readers will learn everything they need to know about tornadoes, from what they are and why and when they happen, to what remains after they rip through an area. Age-appropriate content thoroughly explains tornado activity in the United States and abroad, and real-life examples give readers insight into how communities cope with one of nature's most destructive forces. The book includes fast facts about the biggest and most destructive tornadoes in history, and a section entitled "Survivors Speak" features survivors' stories in their own words. Through stories about scientists and real-life storm chasers, readers will discover the fascination with tornadoes while also understanding the danger and destruction they bring. Stunning photographs and captions accompany the text, giving readers an eye-opening look at one of our world's most incredible natural disasters.