September 8, 1900, began innocently in the seaside town of Galveston, Texas. Even Isaac Cline, resident meteorologist for the U.S. Weather Bureau, failed to grasp the true meaning of the strange deep-sea swells and peculiar winds that greeted the city that morning. Mere hours later, Galveston found itself submerged by a monster hurricane that completely destroyed the town and killed over 6,000 people in what remains the greatest natural disaster in...

"Unearth a treasure trove of knowledge about the rocks and minerals beneath our feet--from their formation to collecting them. Make identification easy and accurate with this compact visual guide, packed with photographs and details on formation, distinguishing features, and much more. Over 600 high-quality photographs capture the unique characteristics, colors, and attributes of more than 500 rocks and minerals. Each specimen's entry includes annotated...

"An exhilarating, time-traveling journey to the solar system's strangest and most awe-inspiring volcanoes. Volcanoes are capable of acts of pyrotechnical prowess verging on magic: they spout black magma more fluid than water, create shimmering cities of glass at the bottom of the ocean and frozen lakes of lava on the moon, and can even tip entire planets over. Despite their reputation for destruction, volcanoes are inseparable from the creation of...

Packed with more than 1,000 crystal-clear photographs with precise annotations to make identification easy and accurate. In this fully revised and updated edition, jargon-free text pinpoints the key characteristics of each fossil and provides quick, accessible information.

Watersheds is an engaging and informative introduction to ecology and environmental concerns that focuses on water-related issues. The combination of beautiful illustrations with non-technical and accessible text makes it attractive as well as informative. Watersheds explains the basic ecological principles of wetlands and waterways, highlights environmental challenges, introduces North America's major biological regions and outlines the complexities...

A stunningly illustrated, informative introduction to the wonders of rocks and minerals and what they can tell us about our planet - perfect for readers aged 6-9 Award-winning science writer and geologist Maya Wei-Haas introduces young readers to the fascinating world of rocks through the art of observation. Starting with a friendly question-and-answer format, she explores the diversity of rocks and minerals and how a rock's shape, color, or texture...

This title introduces young readers to gold: how gold is formed and where it is found; how it is mined, including the discovery of kimberlite pipes; the many uses of gold, from industrial applications in products such as electronics to illuminated manuscripts and space telescopes; and how artisans such as goldsmiths and lapidaries use gold to create beautiful and useful jewelry.

Explores the history and types of jade, where it is found and how it is used.

Learn how silver -- the most conductive metal on Earth -- is formed and where it is found; how it is mined; how it is used from industrial applications in products, such as computers and electric switches to medicines and antiseptic clothing; and how artisans such as silversmiths and lapidaries use silver to create beautiful and useful jewelry and wares. Features include a list of tools and tips to set young rock hounds up to unearth their own treasure....