Landslides: Mass Wasting, Soil, and Mineral Hazards (The Hazardous Earth)

The Hazardous Earth is an eight-volume set that provides students with a comprehensive account of natural hazards-the geologic processes that create conditions dangerous to humans-and what can be done to minimize their effects. Designed to complement science curricula, the books present vivid accounts of historic disasters and events that have shaped history and serve as warnings for future generations. Landslides examines the formation of soil from regolith-the outermost layer of Earth-and bedrock and discusses some of the hazardous elements that are concentrated in it. Large sections of the regolith can collapse downhill as landslides or related phenomena. The "behavior" of the regolith, based on different physical conditions, such as changes in water content, temperature, slope, and pressure control, is also discussed. Sidebars throughout the book clarify fundamental concepts about plate tectonics and associated geologic hazards and provide fascinating insights into the different types of harmful elements in some places in the regolith and their effect on the relationship between soil and water. The volume includes information on: the formation of soils, groundwater pollution, hazardous elements in soils and the regolith, landslide disasters, mass wasting, prediction and prevention of downslope flows, reduction of landslide hazards and damages, undersea landslides, water in the regolith, weathering. The book contains more than 40 black-and-white photographs and line illustrations, a glossary of terms, a detailed list of print and Internet resources, and an index. The Hazardous Earth set is essential for middle and high school students, teachers, and general readers whoseek comprehensive information on geologic processes that are hazardous to people and the environment. About the Author: Timothy Kusky, Ph.D., holds a degree in Earth and planetary sciences from Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. He is the Paul C. Reinert Professor of Natural Sciences and director of the Center for Environmental Sciences at Saint Louis University, Missouri Examines the physical characteristics of the regolith, as well as the consequences when regolith moves - either slowly or more suddenly in landslides and avalanches. With black-and-white photographs, a glossary, tables, and further reading, this reference is useful for middle and high school students.