From tidal waves and sandstorms to lava flows and glaciers, natural geological processes are often hazardous to human life. This book examines the scientific principles behind these processes, explaining how and why they pose a frequent threat. Twelve chapters cover such topics as:
Earthquakes
Volcanic eruptions
Tsunami
Mass wasting
Streams and floods
Coastal hazards
Deserts, droughts, and wind
Glaciers and glaciation
Hazardous geologic materials, such as asbestos and radon gas
Natural geologic subsidence, such as sinkholes
Sudden catastrophic geologic events, such as asteroid impacts
Each chapter includes an extensive list of additional resources, featuring books, journal articles, Web sites, and contact information for relevant organizations. In addition to a general introduction, the volume also contains a detailed subject index and over 60 photographs, tables, and charts.
Written in a clear, engaging manner with numerous examples of famous or recent geological disasters, the Sourcebook is an excellent introduction to the topic for high school and college students, as well as a valuable resource for teachers, professors, journalists, and interested general readers. Government agencies and private relief organizations that deal with natural disasters will also find the book useful.