Natural Hazards

"What can we learn from the spatial patterns of disasters? What human and structural factors need to be addressed to explain hazard vulnerability? As populations grow and the climate warms, how can natural hazards be mitigated? Thoroughly revised and updated, and now with a more global perspective, the second edition of this accessible text provides an integrated framework for understanding and managing natural hazards. Numerous case studies from around the world illustrate the complexities of extreme geophysical events and highlight their physical, social, political, and economic dimensions. The text identifies essential principles for tackling the fundamental causes of differential vulnerabilities that perpetuate human distress, and for promoting recovery and resilience. New to This Edition *New frameworks for understanding human resilience and adaptive capacity in recovery, dynamics of risk and uncertainty, and more. *Chapter on spatial and temporal aspects of hazards. *Discussions of cutting-edge topics, such as chronic disasters, controversies in international aid, and how hazards affect regions differentially. *Many new case studies, including Hurricanes Katrina and Charley, Superstorm Sandy, the 2011 Japan tsunami, Ecuador's chronic volcanic hazard, and others. *Reflects 20 years of research advances across the physical and social sciences, development trends, new technologies, and ongoing global climate change. *Pedagogical features: chapter introductions and within-chapter summaries"--

"This new edition of Natural Hazards represents more than a simple update of the literature--it is not just a litany of disasters documenting the foibles of humans and their interactions with the natural environment--it is instead a development of the critical thinking espoused in the original text combined with emerging new ideas in hazards research. It builds on the original while encompassing new models and theoretical frameworks, along with practical guidelines that incorporate concepts of human resilience in hazardous conditions. The authors also provide numerous cases from around the world to highlight the complexities associated with understanding natural hazards. Survival amid catastrophe is a story the authors have tried to relate, and in this edition have sought to extend the story beyond survival to one of resilience and understanding of the plight of those most vulnerable"--

Natural hazards and disasters : when potential becomes reality -- Physical dimensions of natural hazards -- Spatial and temporal characteristics of natural hazards -- Perception studies : the individual in natural hazards -- Behavioral studies : community attitudes and adjustment -- Public policy and natural hazards -- The economic impacts of hazards and disasters -- Risk assessment -- An integrated approach to natural hazards.