Earthquakes, tornadoes, and volcanoes may be as powerful and awe-inspiring as when they were first experienced by humankind, but in the effort to better predict where and when they will next happen, scientists have made some of the most astonishing discoveries. The latest are brought to light in the next collection of writings in the Science Times series.

Readers will learn about the complex set of weather conditions that contribute to tornadoes and microbursts, and the swiftness and severity of the waves of tsunamis as they spread from their geologic epicenter and wash over entire islands. Volcanoes are described as major earth events, with not only devastation in the surrounding areas from hot ash, lava, and mud slides, but also changes in global weather patterns that cause floods in some parts of the world and drought in others. Discover the surprising force of Mother Nature's fury in such phenomena as avalanches, hurricanes, floods, storms, forest fires, sink holes, viral pandemics, and others.

A terrific read for weather and geology buffs, amateur naturalists, students, and anyone interested in the earth sciences.

Nicholas Wade, a science reporter for The New York Times, was the editor of the Science Times from 1990 through 1996. He is also the author of The Ultimate Experiment, The Nobel Duel, Betrayers of the Truth (with William J. Broad), and A World Beyond Healing, and editor of the Science Times books published by the Lyons Press.