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.