Natural Disasters

Looks at the science behind such natural disasters as avalanches, hail, typhoons, mud and rock slides, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, and discusses prevention and preparations, and rescue and relief efforts.

Gr 9 Up-This outstanding resource addresses every imaginable kind of disaster including avalanches, blizzards, epidemics, explosions, famines, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Each chapter is introduced with an overview of the phenomenon along with a definition, a list of factors involved (animals, geological forces, weather conditions, etc.), and the regions affected. Meaty subsections discuss the type of disaster in relation to its "Science," "Geography," "Prevention and Preparations," "Rescue and Relief Efforts,"and "Impact." A historical overview is followed by a discussion of major events in that category. The section on earthquakes alone covers 104 events from 464 B.C.E. to 1999. The signed entries integrate a range of material that make this set useful across curriculum areas and aid students in broadening their approach to researching these phenomena. For example, a discussion of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E. recounts the series of events over two days of eruptions, includes an eyewitness account and a discussion of the aftermath, details the stages in a Plinian eruption, and touches on the archaeological excavation of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Throughout, maps, charts, and black-and-white photographs add interest and clarity. An accurate, well-organized set that may send students hooked on the Internet back to print resources.

Priscilla Bennett, State University of West Georgia, Carrollton

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Our world is a very dangerous place, a fact placed in historical and social context by this three-volume set. Each of the 23 sections covers a particular kind of disaster, e.g., avalanches and earthquakes, and includes a helpful scientific explanation followed by descriptions of the particular events in chronological order. The text is illustrated with maps, photographs, drawings, tables, and diagrams. Though some of the contributors are described as "independent scholars," most are from academia, resulting in a work that is more scholarly and less sensationalistic than some other works on the subject. The definition of "natural disaster" is stretched, however, for events such as mine explosions and dam failures are included. And though coverage ranges in time from the prehistoric era through 1999, events that occurred in the United States in the 20th century are over-emphasized. Finally, the editing is inadequate; for example, the hurricane that struck Puerto Rico in 1928 is said to have caused $50 billion in damage, though the figure should be $50 million. Despite these weaknesses and its cost, this work is recommended for academic and large public libraries. Jeffrey Beall, Univ. of Colorado Lib. at Denver
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.