Everyone knows what a mountain looks like, but in this book you will find all you need to know about how mountains are formed and how they change, the special characteristics of mountain wildlife and ecosystems, the extreme nature of mountain weather, and how people use and abuse mountain resources. This book is packed with information, facts and figures, and examples from all around the globe. Clear maps and diagrams extend the expertly-written text. 'Location files' are mini case studies that focus on places with a particular feature; 'People files' give potted biographies of famous explorers or discoverers; and, 'Fact Files' list amazing facts.