Magill's Choice

Notable Natural Disasters combines clearly explained scientific concepts with gripping narrative details about memorable disasters. It focuses on events caused, at least in part, by uncontrollable forces of nature. So, though human error played a role in many iceberg collisions, natural conditions were clearly a cause. Decisions were also made regarding scope and focus. For example, only wildfires affecting cities or whole regions are addressed, rather than tragic urban blazes. The set begins with disaster overviews by type. Each essay explains the disaster in scientific terms. First, a few sentences define the natural phenomenon and its importance. Then, the factors involved (e.g. chemical reactions, ice, wind) and the regions affected (cities, coasts, forests) are listed. Subsections to overviews discuss the science behind the phenomenon in lay terms. 3 vol. set.