This informative book has been newly revised in light of the massive eruption in Iceland in March 2010. The skies over a large part of the world were filled with volcanic ash, affecting weather and agriculture and disrupting travel for millions of people for several weeks.
This informative book has been newly revised in light of the devastating tornadoes that have swept across the United States over the last few years. 2008 was particularly fierce with clusters of tornadoes forming every month in the first half of the year.
In light of 2008's devastating cyclone in Myanmar (Burma) and hurricanes Fay, Gustav, and Ike in the U.S., this informative book has been newly revised. This book features the science behind these massive tropical storms and how societies around the world cope with their ferocity.
This informative book has been newly revised in light of the devastating earthquakes in 2010 in Chile, Haiti, Turkey, Mexico, and China. This book traces tremors and seismic waves and explains how we have prepared for the unexpected quakes that rock our cities and countryside.
Climate is the average weather in an area over many years. This timely book looks at weather patterns around the world, the factors influencing climate, such as ocean currents and jet streams, and how climate is changing today. Children will learn how people and other living things in different places on Earth are being affected by climate change and what we can do to help reduce the damage.
Pollination directly affects the food supply on Earth. Pollinators are threatened by pesticides, invasive species, and habitat destruction, but they are especially threatened by a lack of awareness about their importance. This informative book filled with stunning photographs will help children look at insects in a very different way.
The plant kingdom contains more than 250,000 species. This colorful book describes the main groups of plants, including mosses, ferns, conifers, and flowering plants. Special sections highlight the role of plants in the environmentas producers in the food chain and producers of the worlds oxygenand their role in climate and the water cycle.
This interesting book features an examination of the four major groups of fungi: yeasts, toadstools, chytrids, and bread molds. Special sections explore varieties that feed on dead and decaying matter, parasites, and species that form relationships with other species. Case histories involving fungi include penicillin and the fight against disease, and genetically modified (GM) products in food technology.
This book examines bacteria that are found in virtually every environmentincluding those that are characterized by extreme heat, cold, and depthand, of course, bacteria that are found inside our bodies. Case studies examine the development of new vaccines against bacterial diseases and the use of bacteria to help fight pollution.
Some Archaea thrive in extreme places such as in thermal pools, hot vents at the bottom of the sea, extremely salty water, and even in underground oil reserves. This book examines the diverse Archaea kingdom and the division of these organisms by their unusual biology into three main groups. It also explains why little in general is known about them, and why further classification of Archaea is so difficult.
How in the world do you classify the more than one million species in the animal kingdom? This fact-packed book divides animals into the major phyla, classes, and critical features. Fascinating case histories examine the discovery of new mammal species, the need to conserve endangered species, and using natural predators to control populations and preserve species and their environments.
An examination of the weapons, tactics, and strategies used in the ongoing war against Islamic extremists, from guerilla combat and suicide bombings to high-tech weapons and new laws.
A look at potential future developments in architecture, including self-contained cities, as well as computerized blueprints and other technologies that are currently considered state-of-the-art.
A look at potential future developments in warfare, including advancements in robot technology, as well as satellite-guided bombs and other technologies that are currently considered state-of-the-art.
A look at potential future developments in medicine, including the use of nanotechnology, as well as genetic mapping and other technologies that are currently considered state-of-the-art.
A look at potential future developments in communication, including holograms, as well as the Global Positioning System and other technologies that are currently considered state-of-the-art.
A look at potential future developments in transportation, including privately operated spacecraft, as well as electric cars and other technologies that are currently considered state-of-the-art.
A look at potential future developments in space exploration, including settlements on Mars, as well as orbiting telescopes and other technologies that are currently considered state-of-the-art.
An examination of the science behind the physical phenomenon known as energy, including relevant theories and history-making discoveries as well as topics of current and future research.
An examination of the science behind the abstract and physical concepts of space and time, including relevant theories and history-making discoveries as well as topics of current and future research.
An examination of the science behind the astronomical phenomena known as stars, including relevant theories and history-making discoveries as well as topics of current and future research.
An examination of the science behind the physical phenomenon known as light, including relevant theories and history-making discoveries as well as topics of current and future research.
An examination of the science behind the physical concepts of mass and matter, including relevant theories and history-making discoveries as well as topics of current and future research.
An examination of the science behind the physical phenomenon known as gravity, including relevant theories and history-making discoveries as well as topics of current and future research.
A history of the bathyscaphe Trieste's 1960 descent to the bottom of the ocean, detailing the challenges encountered, the individuals involved, the discoveries made, and how the expedition left its mark upon the world.