Includes bibliographical references (p. 47) and index.

What is a volcano? -- Where do volcanoes occur? -- Mount Saint Helens -- Studying volcanoes -- Magma -- Volcanic hazards -- Pyroclasts -- Ash and eruption columns -- Mount Pinatubo -- Pyroclastic flows -- Vesuvius -- Mount Pelée -- Mudflows, landslides, and floods -- The Armero mudflow -- Giant eruptions -- Yellowstone Volcano Observatory -- Krakatau -- Mount Tambora -- Rescue and aid -- Fighting against volcanoes, Heimaey.

"A discussion of a major type 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.