Publisher's Synopsis
In a matter of seconds, an erupting volcano or the tremors from an earthquake can cause great damage and destruction, and change the face of the landscape.;This book on volcanoes and earthquakes looks at why volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur and the chaos they can cause. It also looks at how these powerful forces can help to form mountains, valleys and islands.;It shows children how humans and animals interact with geysers, undersea volcanoes, islands of rock and coral and rock faces through various activities such as farming on fertile soil, building with safety mechanisms in mind, defending the coastline and the cleaning of beaches. Humankind has found other ways too, to benefit from the destructive forces of volcanoes and earthquakes, such as harnessing the geysers and hot springs to heat houses and flats, swimming pools, and greenhouses and in the production of geothermal energy. The massive underground disturbances have caused diamonds which are produced under enormous pressure and high temperatures and the chemical sulphur which is used for making rubber, gunpowder, dyes, fertilizers and some ointments and medicines.;Finally there is a section on the prevention of damage caused by earthquakes and the work that is being done to predict their occurence.
