This exciting book explains how the shape of Earth can change with the sudden movement of Earth's crust or when molten rock explodes out of an opening in Earth's surface. Young readers will be fascinated to discover how volcanoes form - destroying the landscape and creating new landforms at the same time. They will also learn about tectonic plates and fault lines, the damage earthquakes can cause, and how to stay safe when an earthquake happens. Teacher's guide available.
Volcanic eruptions are common, with more than 50 volcanic eruptions in the United States alone in the past 31 years. These eruptions can have devastating economic and social consequences, even at great distances from the volcano. Fortunately many eruptions are preceded by unrest that can be detected using ground, airborne, and spaceborne instruments. Data from these instruments, combined with basic understanding of how volcanoes work, form the basis for forecasting eruptionsâ€"where, when, how big, how long, and the consequences. Accurate forecasts of the likelihood and magnitude of an eruption in a specified timeframe are rooted in a scientific understanding of the processes that govern the storage, ascent, and eruption of magma. Yet our understanding of volcanic systems is incomplete and biased by the limited number of volcanoes and eruption styles observed with advanced instrumentation. Volcanic Eruptions and Their Repose, Unrest, Precursors, and Timing identifies key science questions, research and observation priorities, and approaches for building a volcano science community capable of tackling them. This report presents goals for making major advances in volcano science.
We live on a dynamic Earth shaped by both natural processes and the impacts of humans on their environment. It is in our collective interest to observe and understand our planet, and to predict future behavior to the extent possible, in order to effectively manage resources, successfully respond to threats from natural and human-induced environmental change, and capitalize on the opportunities â€" social, economic, security, and more â€" that such knowledge can bring. By continuously monitoring and exploring Earth, developing a deep understanding of its evolving behavior, and characterizing the processes that shape and reshape the environment in which we live, we not only advance knowledge and basic discovery about our planet, but we further develop the foundation upon which benefits to society are built. Thriving on Our Changing Planet presents prioritized science, applications, and observations, along with related strategic and programmatic guidance, to support the U.S. civil space Earth observation program over the coming decade.
The outside layer of our planet is an active place. Earth's crust is always growing and changing. But do you know how Earth's crust forms? And what happens when its plates shift suddenly? Find out more about the moves that make mountains and ocean ridges in this interesting book!
The Earth is a beautiful and wondrous planet, but also frustratingly complex and, at times, violent: much of what has made it livable can also cause catastrophe. Volcanic eruptions create land and produce fertile, nutrient-rich soil, but they can also bury forests, fields, and entire towns under ash, mud, lava, and debris. The very forces that create and recycle Earth’s crust also spawn destructive earthquakes and tsunamis. Water and wind bring and spread life, but in hurricanes they can leave devastation in their wake. And while it is the planet’s warmth that enables life to thrive, rapidly increasing temperatures are causing sea levels to rise and weather events to become more extreme. Today, we know more than ever before about the powerful forces that can cause catastrophe, but significant questions remain. Why can’t we better predict some natural disasters? What do scientists know about them already? What do they wish they knew? In Dangerous Earth, marine scientist and science communicator Ellen Prager explores the science of investigating volcanoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, landslides, rip currents, and—maybe the most perilous hazard of all—climate change. Each chapter considers a specific hazard, begins with a game-changing historical event (like the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens or the landfall and impacts of Hurricane Harvey), and highlights what remains unknown about these dynamic phenomena. Along the way, we hear from scientists trying to read Earth’s warning signs, pass its messages along to the rest of us, and prevent catastrophic loss. A sweeping tour of some of the most awesome forces on our planet—many tragic, yet nonetheless awe-inspiring—Dangerous Earth is an illuminating journey through the undiscovered, unresolved, and in some cases unimagined mysteries that continue to frustrate and fascinate the world’s leading scientists: the “wish-we-knews” that ignite both our curiosity and global change.
Hands-on experiments are a great way to engage young scientists. Instead of simply reading facts, they will experience the science that is happening in front of their eyes! The simple experiments in this book, illustrated in color, will unlock the secrets of planet Earth, including why Earth has layers, how continents move, and how we know Earth is round. By the time young readers are finished with the activities in this book, they will be ready to design some of their own to enter in their next science fair.
In a series of fun and involving hands-on earth science experiments, kids learn why the Earth bulges at the equator, demonstrate the movement of the Earth’s axis, determine how the composition of the Earth affects its motion, and replicate the cause of the day-and-night cycle. They will also determine why the sky is not dark as soon as the Sun sinks below the horizon, learn how salt beds are formed, demonstrate how air takes up space, observe the effects of cool and warm temperatures on air movement, and replicate the formation of sea breezes. Featuring color illustrations and safe, simple step-by-step instructions, Janice VanCleave again shows just how much fun science can be.
In a series of fun and involving hands-on earth science experiments, kids learn how crystals and metamorphic and sedimentary rocks form, why seismic waves move more slowly through sand, the effect of rain on hills with and without ground cover, the effect of acid on statues, and how freezing water causes rock movement. They will also determine and demonstrate how rain affects topsoil, what amount of pressure is required to fold the Earth�s crust, how a gentle breeze can move heavy objects, and how air pressure can be used to create a spraying fountain. Featuring color illustrations and safe, simple step-by-step instructions, Janice VanCleave again shows just how much fun science can be.
