The awesome display of power that is unleashed by many of the world's natural disasters has aroused both terror and curiosity for centuries. This series of books looks at the history of natural disasters and their effects on mankind and the environment. AVALANCHES and landslides can engulf and destroy towns and villages in just a few minutes, as huge masses of snow, rock or mud crash down from a mountain or hillside at high speed. Dramatic pictures illustrate this book which explains all aspects of these destructive powers.