Every day parts of the surface of the Earth are rattled by earthquake tremors, and occasionally, some regions are shaken violently during earthquakes, resulting in widespread damage and destruction. Earthquakes in Iran, Turkey, and Japan have demonstrated how the motion of the Earth's tectonic plates can suddenly make apparently safe environments dangerous and even deadly."Earthquakes" focuses on the furious power of nature unleashed and the massive devastation that is often a result of the relentless forces that build up within the Earth. Presenting the main ideas of plate tectonics, this...

Volcanic eruptions are some of the most spectacular of all natural phenomena, yet they are also among the most dangerous geological hazards. Eruptions may send blocks of rock, ash, and gas tens of thousands of feet into the atmosphere, and individual eruptions have been responsible for killing tens of thousands of people. The hazards associated with volcanic eruptions are not limited to the immediate threat from flowing lava and ash; they may also include long-term atmospheric and climate effects, changes to land use patterns, and the livelihood of human populations."Volcanoes" examines the...

A tsunami is a seismic sea wave generated by a sudden displacement of the seafloor, commonly caused by earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. Tsunamis are also commonly called tidal waves, although they have nothing to do with tides. Every few years, these giant sea waves rise unexpectedly out of the ocean and sweep over coastal communities, killing hundreds or thousands of people and causing millions of dollars in damage."Tsunamis" discusses the many aspects of the generation, movement, and effects of tsunamis. Helpful analysis of the triggering mechanisms for tsunamis, the physics...

The outermost layer of the Earth consists of different materials, comprising rock, soil, organic matter, and other earth materials that together are called regolith. This regolith forms by the breakdown of solid bedrock, through processes of chemical, biological, and mechanical weathering. In rare and dramatic instances, large sections of regolith and even bedrock may suddenly collapse and race downhill, in what is known as a landslide."Landslides" examines the physical characteristics of the regolith, as well as the consequences when regolith moves - either slowly or more suddenly in...

Coastlines offer some of the best scenery and recreation areas, yet they also rank among the most hazardous areas to live. The world's coastline extends for about 273,000 miles, and nearly half of the world's population lives within 60 miles of the shoreline. The coastal zone is extremely critical for the world's economy, culture, and future survival, but it is also one of the most hazardous environments and the site of most of the world's deadliest disasters. "The Coast" focuses on the characteristic landforms and environments found in the coastal zone as well as the processes that form...

Climate Change examines different aspects of this topic, including the causes of climate change on different time scales, the human-induced climate changes over the past 200 years, and the effect that climate change has on the environment. From expanding deserts to droughts and desertification to melting ice caps, this comprehensive new resource provides an in-depth look at these global concerns. Climate Change discusses the past and present-day desert and glacial climate zones on the Earth and offers a glimpse into the future. Black-and-white photographs and line illustrations, a glossary,...

Floods examines the processes that control the development and flow in stream and river systems and discusses how and when these processes become hazardous. Examples of flooding and other river disasters are presented throughout this accessible book. The merits of building on versus preserving floodplains are discussed, and strategies for preserving the remaining floodplain areas are examined. Black-and-white photographs and line illustrations, an index, a glossary, sidebars, and tables enhance this rich resource.

The new, two-volume of Earth and Space Science is the perfect complement to the material typically taught in high school and college Earth science and astronomy classes. Based on the NSES Content Standards, this comprehensive new reference emphasizes the physical processes involved in the formation and evolution of the Earth and universe, describes many examples of different types of geological and astrophysical phenomena, provides historical perspectives, and gives insight into the process of scientific inquiry by incorporating biographical profiles of people who have contributed...