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...