Why are coral reefs protected? Who was Charles Darwin? When did weather forecasting begin? This book provides the answers to these questions and hundreds more, telling you all about the who, what, when, where and why of our planet. Find out when the oceans freeze, why volcanoes erupt and how far birds migrate. Explore the geography of the natural world from rivers to rainforests, with a fun and fresh design perfect for families. Use it to settle debates, help with school projects and prepare quizzes; with fact file boxes, full colour photos and helpful sections, this easy-to-use reference guide will provide hours of entertainment for inquisitive minds.