Natural Hazards and Disasters [Paperback]

Donald Hyndman (Author), David Hyndman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 17, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0534997600 | ISBN-13: 978-0534997601 | Edition: 1

Written by a son-father team of prominent geologists, David and Donald Hyndman, NATURAL HAZARDS AND DISASTERS emphasizes earth and atmospheric hazards that appear suddenly or rapidly, without significant warning. The text further discusses ways to prevent or mitigate the damage caused by natural hazards, providing students with the latest scientific research related to these topics. "Case in Point" boxes generate discussion of individual cases to natural hazard processes and principles. The authors reinforce the need to become informed citizens and make educated living decisions. Students will find a balanced coverage of North American natural hazards, including earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and volcanic eruptions. These hazards are illustrated using numerous four-color photos and diagrams.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Donald Hyndman is a recently retired Professor in the Department of Geology at the University of Montana, where he has taught courses in natural hazards, regional geology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, volcanology, and advanced igneous petrology. He continues to teach courses in natural hazards. Donald is co-originator and coauthor of six books in the Roadside Geology series and one on the geology of the Pacific Northwest, and is also the author of a textbook on Igneous Petrology. His B.S. in Geological Engineering is from the University of British Columbia and his Ph.D. in Geology is from the University of California, Berkeley. He has received the Distinguished Teaching Award and the Distinguished Scholar Award, both given by the University of Montana.

David Hyndman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at Michigan State University, where he teaches courses in natural hazards, environmental geology, physical geology, and advanced hydrogeology. His B.S. in Hydrology and Water Resources is from the University of Arizona and his M.S. in Applied Earth Sciences and Ph.D. in Geological and Environmental Sciences are from Stanford University. David is an Associate Editor for the journals "Water Resources Research" and "Ground Water," has been selected for the Ronald Wilson Teaching Award, and has been the 2002 Darcy Distinguished Lecturer as well as a Lilly Teaching Fellow.

Product Details

• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: Brooks Cole; 1 edition (March 17, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0534997600
• ISBN-13: 978-0534997601
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #611,468 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading, September 17, 2006

By 

RJRo20 (California) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Natural Hazards and Disasters (Paperback)

After completing my BA degree in Psychology, I had decided to take other courses that were non-related to my field of study: one of them being an introductory Geology course concerning natural disasters. The text used in my class was, NATURAL HAZARDS AND DISASTERS, by Donald and David Hyndman.

The natural disasters course I took at school was excellent! It enhanced my knowledge about the Earth's processes, and the affects of man on nature. Major topics addressed in class included earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, landslides, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and meteor impacts. The text supplemented for this class was very user-friendly. It was well-organized and also well-written. There were many colorful pictures and figures that helped with the learning of fundamental concepts.

In particular, I enjoyed: "Volcanoes: Materials, Hazards, and Eruptive Mechanisms," which concentrated mostly on the 1980 Mt. St. Helen eruption. The first page narrated an emotionally-riveting episode about USGS volcanologist David A. Johnston. Another interesting chapter focused on "Landslides And Other Downslope Movements," which included an excellent "Up Close" example about the reoccurring landslides in the small community of La Conchita, California. (As a native Californian, I know landslides are a big deal--not to mention earthquakes and wildfires!). Though La Conchita is an idyllic place to live--conveniently located along side the Pacific Ocean--it is also an extremely hazardous dwelling; this small community is situated below a very unstable hillside, which throughout history, has killed so many people.

For educational purposes, this very detailed and informative text serves as a great resource. Although a bit pricey, I believe it's well worth it! Everyone should read it. No matter where you live, a natural hazard exists. What the Hyndman's say is true: "we need to learn to live with natural events instead of trying to control them."

NOTE: There is an updated version of this text, which includes an exclusive chapter about Hurricane Katrina.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book review, August 9, 2010

By 

L. Alworth (Athens, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Natural Hazards and Disasters (Paperback)

I purchased this book as a text for a adult learning class. We seniors are using it as a resource for a trip we are taking in the fall to see volcanoes and earthquake faults! Although used, the book was in excellent condition. It is well written, not too difficult for this aging mind, but scientifically correct. Great photos and descriptions of past geological events.
I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the geological world we inhabit.