"A discussion of major types of natural disaster, including descriptions of some of the most destructive; explanations of these phenomena, what causes them, and where they occur; and information about how to prepare for and survive these forces of nature. Features include an activity, glossary, list of resources, and index"--Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 47) and index.

Mass movement -- Landslides -- What is a landslide? -- Types of landslides -- China, 1920? -- What causes a landslide? -- What happens during a landslide? -- Landslide effects -- Alaska, 1964 -- Avoiding landslides -- Submarine landslides -- Mudslides -- What is a mudslide? -- Devastating volcanic mudslides -- Rain-induced landslides -- Avalanches -- What is an avalanche? -- Why do avalanches happen? -- The Alps, 1999 -- What happens during an avalanche? -- The effects of avalanches -- Stevens Pass, 1910 -- Avalanche prevention and rescue -- Activity.