PATRICIA BARNES-SVARNEY has an extensive background in the physical sciences and has worked as a geomorphologist, physical oceanographer, and geochemist. Ms. Barnes-Svarney is the author of numerous books including Weather Around the World (with Thomas Svarney) e Handy Dinosaur Book (with Thomas Svarney) w the New Technology Works (with Robert Cone) teroid: Earth Destroyer or New Frontier? d Comparing the Planets: Travelers Guide to the Solar System. She has also contributed to the award winning The New York Public Library Science Desk Reference. Additionally, her credits include over 350 articles for such magazines as Popular Science, Astronomy, Air & Space, Technology Review, Omni, and USAir. THOMAS E. SVARNEY is a consultant in the field of failure analysis and has held positions at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as well as a major computer corporation. He holds degrees in both engineering science and physics and graduate work in materials science. Mr. Svarney's most recent science books include Skies of Fury: Weird Weather Around the World and The Handy Dinosaur Book (both with Patricia Barnes-Svarney). He has also contributed to several books, including How the New Technology Works: A Guide to High Tech Concepts and The New York Public Library Desk Reference, and written over 30 articles for such national and international journals as Solid State Technology, Praktische Metallographie, and Microelectronic Manufacturing and Testing.