As destroyers of cities and creators of islands, volcanoes are as unique as they are destructive. Whether they spew thick ash or pack heavy lava flows, their eruptions are always a force to be reckoned with. Explore the explosive workings of volcanoes, the techniques scientists use to study them, and how people live in the shadows of these explosive landforms.

Amie Jane Leavitt is an accomplished author and photographer who loves to travel the globe in search of interesting story ideas and beautiful places to capture in photos. Amie has written nearly 50 books for children. She graduated from Brigham Young University as an education major and has since taught all subjects and grade levels in both private and public schools. She also has contributed to online and print media, and has worked as a consultant, writer, and editor for numerous educational publishing and assessment companies.