Abbott, P.L., Samson, C., Sutherland, S., Phillips, D., Patterson, R.T. , MacEachern, F., Martell, D. 2009. Natural Disasters, 1st Cdn edition McGraw-Hill Ryerson. ISBN-13: 9780070980372 (ISBN-10: 0070980373), 1st Edition, 512 pages, Softcover.
This book focuses on natural disasters: how the normal processes of the Earth concentrate their energies and deal heavy blows to humans and their structures. It is concerned with how the natural world operates and, in so doing, kills and maims humans and destroys their works. Throughout the book, certain themes are maintained:’Energy sources underlying disasters; Plate tectonics and climate change; Earth processes operating in rock, water, and atmosphere; Significance of geologic time; Complexities of multiple variables operating simultaneously; Detailed and readable case histories.
New Features :
* Experts in the Field: Abbott covers the most significant natural hazards from geologic to atmospheric, and even the impact of space debris, as well as their associated phenomena. The comprehensive coverage of natural disaster topics allows the instructor to selectively pick and choose those chapters that cover their specific interests. For the Canadian edition, we have hired experts in the field to adapt four chapters: Chapter 10: Atmosphere, Oceans, and Long-Term Climate Change (Tim Patterson/Carleton University) Chapter 11: Short-Term Climate Change and Severe Weather Chapter (David Phillips/Environment Canada) 14: Fire (David Martell/UToronto) Chapter 15: The Great Dyings (Fiona MacEachern & Stuart Sutherland UBC) This ensures that Natural Disasters 1CE has the most accurate and timely coverage possible.
* Virtual Vistas: Found on the OLC, Virtual Vistas recap what students have learned in each chapter and provide a visual to explain the topic. Students are then able to view a video related to the chapter topic and respond to several questions.
* Quality four-colour art program: The author has added an astonishing 300 new images, including 150 new photos and close to 40 new maps, for the Canadian edition, making this a visually stunning text. Through the Digital Content Manager, instructors will have access to all photos and line art in the text.
* Case Histories: The Canadian edition includes case histories to explain important principles about the Earth and then further develops understanding through numerous case studies.
* Theme: The hidden theme to Abbott is ‘Geology in Your Life.’ The Canadian edition shows examples of how natural disasters affect people (with a special emphasis on Canada and Canadians), and why we need to prepare for them in our daily lives. Competitive texts are weak in providing solid examples and have an environmental geology focus.