Natural Disasters [Hardcover]

Here is a comprehensive overview of the geophysical, technological, and social aspects of natural disasters. This book systematically reviews the agents of natural catastrophes - earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, drought, hurricanes, erosion, fires, etc. - in terms of their geophysical processes and effects. The human impact and response is examined from various perspectives, including damage and the urban environment, the logistics of planning and emergency action, medical emergencies and the epidemiology of disasters, the Third World, and socio-economic consequences. The author's unique interdisciplinary perspective helps the reader to achieve a clear perspective on natural disasters and possible strategies against them.List of tables. Preface. Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction. The Geophysical Agents. 2. Earthquakes and volcanoes. 3. Atmospheric and hydrological hazards. 4. Disasters and the land surface. The Human Impact and Response. 5. Damage and the built environment. 6. The logistics of planning and emergency action. 7. Medical emergencies. 8. The Third World. 9. Disasters and socio-economic systems. Conclusion. 10. Towards an international strategy against disasters. Index.` This book sets the standard and will be the classic work against which newcomers will be judged.....the best single available text for courses in disaster studies in disciplines from anthropology and sociology to geology, geography, and the atmospheric sciences.'