A discussion of major types of natural disasters, 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.

Dangerous forces -- Forces of weather -- What is weather? -- Water in the air -- Atmospheric pressure and wind -- Storms -- Earth's climates -- Ocean currents -- Seasons -- Climate change -- Forces of geology -- Earth's layers -- Volcanoes -- Earthquakes -- Tsunamis -- Landslides, mudslides, and avalanches -- Forces of disease -- Microorganisms -- Bacteria and viruses -- Parasites and fungi -- Activity -- Glossary -- Additional resources.