Adopting an integrated approach to natural hazards that incorporates facets of both the physical and social sciences, this text examines how different societies have responded to such extremes of nature. The authors bring together the behavioural, political, psychological and economic approaches, leading to increased comprehension of a range of natural hazards, rather than a detailed analysis of particular events or hazard categories.
Graham A. Tobin, PhD, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Geography at the University of South Florida. He received his B.A. from the University of Durham, England and his Ph.D. from the University of Strathclyde, Scotland. Previously, he taught at the University of Sheffield, England, the University of Iowa, and the University of Minnesota, Duluth, USA. He has published books, chapters and numerous articles on different dimensions of natural hazards and water resource problems, focusing particularly on socio-economic aspects of flooding, water resources management, and groundwater policy issues.
Burrell E. Montz, PhD, is Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies and Director of the Environmental Studies Program at Binghamton University, New York. She received her B.A. from Mary Washington College, her M.S. from Oklahoma State University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado. Dr. Montz has been involved in natural hazards research in the United States and in New Zealand, with a focus on economic and environmental impacts as well as on policy and planning applications.