Hynes, Margaret

Surveys human evolution, from the first toolmakers, Australopithecus and Homo habilis, through the Ice Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age, to the beginning of civilization and the first cities.

Presents an introduction to rocks and fossils, providing information on different types of rock, and explaining how rocks change and erode, including a look at fossils, paleontology, prehistoric plants, and more. Includes full-color illustrations.

Explains how mountains are formed and discusses the plants and animals that inhabit them. Also discusses mountains as a tourist attraction and explores the natural resources found in mountain ranges. Includes suggested project ideas inspired by mountains.

A guide to various types of aquatic and marine life and habitats, from ancient oceans to modern discoveries, examining coasts, marshes, and deltas; coral reefs; migration; ecology; human exploration; renewable energy from wind and wave power; offshore fossil fuel reserves; and other related topics, with illustrations and a glossary.

A visual guide to extreme weather conditions, explaining the science of thunderstorms, tornadoes, tropical cyclones, snow hazards, and other phenomena, and including fact boxes, and discussion of air-sea rescue, climate change, disaster relief, and damage limitation.