Living with the Coast of Alaska FROM THE PUBLISHER
Facing two oceans and three seas, Alaska's coastline stretches through bays, fjords, and around islands for 45,000 miles. Living with the Coast of Alaska, a new volume in the Living with the Shore series, is a user's guide for both present and future inhabitants of Alaska. Providing individual property owners in all regions of the state with the fundamentals of hazard recognition and mitigation strategy, the authors discuss the geological history of Alaska and its relation to the area's cultural history and present customized hazard risk assessments for coastal communities.
Describing the dynamic nature of natural seismic events and coastal processes in Alaska, the authors emphasize the multiplicity of potential effects that result from a unique combination of geology, climate, and the sea. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunami waves, avalanches, glacial advances, storm surges, flash flooding, wind channeling, and shoreline erosionæcombined with human-induced hazards such as oil spills, fire, and beach and offshore mining accidentsæmake living with danger a way of life in Alaska. The authors provide information on federal and state laws and programs regarding natural disasters and coastal zone management as well as practical suggestions for the design and construction of buildings.
For private, commercial, and public developments, this book offers a manual to help Alaskans make informed decisions to minimize, if not avoid, damage and danger.
FROM THE CRITICS
Choice Magazine
This excellent book informs about the potential hazards associated with settlement and development of Alaska's extensive, rugged shoreline. . . .
The writing is cogent and accessible to the nonspecialist. . . Essential
reading.
Journal of Geoscience Education
Dr. Owen Mason and his co-authors provide a surprisingly comprehensive
tour and overview of the coastal regions of Alaska along with a menu of the
natural hazards which affect them. . . . [A] valuable reference book that
belongs in the library of any geologist, archeologist, coastal
geomorphologist, or other scientist who works at sites along Alaska's
shore, as well as any person who is interested in the coastal environments
of America's largest state. This book could be used to teach a directed,
topical class or as part of a seminar on the coastal environments and
natural hazards of Alaska. This book is an important contribution toward
introducing the diverse coastal environments of Alaska to anyone who lives,
works in, or cares about the spectacular coastal areas of Alaska.
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