sand

Simple text and pictures explore how rocks, soil, and sand form and are shaped, briefly covering such topics as erosion.

On the planet of Taldain, the legendary Sand Masters harness arcane powers to manipulate sand in spectacular ways. But when they are slaughtered in a sinister conspiracy, the weakest of their number, Kenton, believes himself to be the only survivor.

"After water and air, sand is the natural resource that we consume more than any other--even more than oil. Every concrete building and paved road on Earth, every computer screen and silicon chip, is made from sand . . . It's the ingredient that makes possible our cities, our science, our lives--and our future. And, incredibly we're running out of it. 'The World in a Grain' is a . . . true story of this hugely important and diminishing nautural resource that growns more essential every day, and of the people who mine it, sell it, build with it--and sometimes, even kill for it . . ."--Dust jacket.

Readers will find out strategies for working in deserts, such as using solar power and even burning human waste!.

"In this book, readers will learn about sand and how it is made."--Provided by publisher.

"Describes sand, silt, and mud and their role in the rock cycle"--.

Discusses various scientific issues related to sand, including sand forensics, the physics of granular materials, sedimentology, archaeology, planetary exploration, and tales of its ordinary, and dramatic, roles in history, commerce, imagination, and invention.

"A simple grain of sand undergoes an inspiring transformation"--Provided by publisher.

Discusses the properties and composition of sand as a clue in understanding the dynamics of the earth's surface.