California Catastrophes : The Natural Disaster History of the Golden State.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Griggs, Gary.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Natural disasters--California--History.

Natural disasters.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (227 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Berkeley : University of California Press, 2024.

Summary:

This comprehensive account of California's numerous and perilous natural disasters explores how a unique combination of forces has affected Californians throughout the state's history and carries a sobering message about our short disaster memories. California has more natural hazards per square mile than any other state, but this hasn't deterred people from moving here. Entire California towns and regions frequently contend with destruction caused by earthquakes, floods, landslides and debris flows, and sea-level rise and coastal erosion. As Gary Griggs demonstrates in California Catastrophes, few years go by without a disaster of some kind, and residents often rebuild in the same locations that were just destroyed. Considering the current climate crisis and increasing environmental inequalities, the stakes are growing ever higher. This book dives into the history of the state's vulnerability to natural hazards, why and where these events occur, and how Californians can better prepare going forward. A mix of photographs and maps both historical and contemporary orients readers within the state's sprawling landscapes and provides glimpses of some of the geologic risks in each region. With the final chapter, Griggs issues a call to action and challenges readers to envision a safer, more equitable, and sustainable future.

Contents:

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Contents

List of Figures and Tables

Acknowledgments

1. Introduction to California's Natural Disasters

2. Earthquakes and Faulting

3. Tsunamis

4. Volcanoes and Vulcanism

5. Extreme Rainfall and Flooding

6. Climate Change and Drought

7. Wildland Fires

8. Landslides, Rockfalls, and Debris Flows

9. Coastal Storms, Sea-Level Rise, and Shoreline Retreat

10. Where Do We Go from Here

Notes

References

Index.

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

9780520402119

0520402111

OCLC:

1446799142