Dynamic Earth

The devastation wrought by earthquakes and volcanoes often obscures the fact that these destructive forces are also some of the most creative on the planet birthing mountains and other land forms. With detailed diagrams outlining the structure of continental and oceanic crust and the distribution of major plate motion, this book introduces readers to the range of activity that can shape or decimate an entire region. Descriptions of famous earthquakes and volcanoes help contextualize the staggering power of the Earth's motion.

Whether ruining a commute or devastating entire countries, inclement weather has the power to capture attention and headlines. This book examines the science that gives us a greater understanding of the patterns that produce hurricanes, tornadoes, cyclones, and a host of related conditions. It also discusses another persistent issue of inclement weather, which is how to better predict climatic extremes.

Glaciers and sea ice are vital to sustaining aquatic ecosystems and regulating ocean water temperature. Permafrost, a type of ground ice, dramatically affects the infrastructure and agricultural output of several communities around the world. The development of these varying formations and the interplay between them and the environment are thoughtfully considered in this fascinating volume.