Mountains

This title considers mountains from a variety of scientific perspectives, from geology and volcanology to botany, biology, and anthropology. The book explains the formation of mountains and their effects on weather, wildlife, and human inhabitants. It also discusses the history of mountain exploration and the dangers and rewards of a modern climb. Readers will learn how to handle hazards such as severe weather, avalanches, and lightning. Interviews with a volcanologist and an explorer, as well as appealing photographs of climbers and conservationists at work, capture various ways humans can interact with mountains. Each page includes fact bubbles that describe explorers and significant historical events. Back matter includes a world map of mountain ranges, facts about mountains, a glossary, a list of texts and Web sites for further information, a list of National Park Web sites, suggestion for research, and an index.