Earthquakes and Volcanoes

by Ellen Prager

Published 1 January 2008
Though the Earth's outermost shell is comprised of tectonic plates that are constantly shifting underneath our feet, the ground is usually quiet and still. But sometimes, an earthquake violently rocks the ground or an explosive volcanic blast causes destruction to surrounding areas. Yet despite the potential devastating effects, earthquakes and volcanoes also help create the land people live on. ""Earthquakes and Volcanoes"" explains what triggers earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, where on Earth they are most likely to occur, how they happen, and how examining disasters of the past can make people safer in the future during these events.