This book provides a detailed introduction to natural disasters and the ways in which they have had and continue to have, profound effects on human society.

• Provides readers with a sound background in the science and technology of major natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and forest fires

• Traces the development of human understanding of the causes and nature of such events

• Discusses the ways in which natural events such as changing weather patterns may interact with human decisions and actions that lead to complex forms of disaster

• Provides background on the specific contributions of individuals and organizations within the field that have yielded our mature understanding of the nature and impact of natural disaster

• Suggests a host of practical resources to use in an extended study of the topic