Our planet can be violent and destructive. Volcanoes erupt, sending out clouds of ash and rivers of molten lava. Earthquakes shake up the land, destroying buildings and sparking destructive fires. Tsunamis--enormous ocean waves--crash onto the shore, devastating coastal communities. This fascinating guide to natural disasters combines fact-packed, easy-to-read text with colorful and quirky illustrations. From earthquakes to volcanoes, it is an eye-opening introduction to the devastating and often terrifying power of the natural world and how science can be used to predict disasters and help prevent loss of life.