Tag Archives: disasters

Vancouver for Visitors

Posted on 16 February 2012 by Mika

I know we have a huge number of scientists in town this weekend for AAAS 2012. If any of you visitors want to check out some local geoscience, here’s an introduction: Geological Context Fire and Ice are the local theme: … Continue reading →

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Inevitability of the Improbable

Posted on 22 April 2011 by Mika

Discussion at the Mapping Unstable Ground workshop constantly came back to accurately identifying and communicating risk, and the difficulty of making practical policy decisions about risk mitigation. This tied in with thoughts inspired by In Terra Veritas pointing me at … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Vancouver, City on the Edge

Posted on 16 January 2011 by Mika

I have given away more copies of Vancouver, City on the Edge: living with a dynamic geological landscape by John Clague and Bob Turner than I can easily count. I do this because it’s a well-written book accessible to anyone … Continue reading →

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Twitter and Disaster Response

Posted on 3 January 2011 by Mika

I’ve been repeatedly asked why a serious scientist would use Twitter as a communication method. In addition to my interest as a science outreach professional, I am interested as a disaster researcher. Twitter is rapidly becoming an unparalleled tool for … Continue reading →

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geoNatHaz field book

Posted on 2 January 2011 by Mika

geoNatHaz is an international field school with trips to observe natural hazards in Italy and Canada. The purpose is to increase competency in dealing with natural hazards and to increase international understanding of the hazards. After attending the 2010 Canadian … Continue reading →

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AGU: Disaster Days

Posted on 14 December 2010 by Mika

A speaker in the U13 session declined to list numbers for how many people were killed, buildings destroyed, or damage caused by his particular hazard, pointing out that every scientist seems to claim their disaster is the deadliest. Where I … Continue reading →

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Natural Hazards in southern British Columbia

Posted on 11 December 2010 by Mika

The interaction of strong north-south geomorphic obstructions and a low population density dominate the risk assessment for British Columbia. The north-south mountain ranges and valleys place severe limitations on where transportation and other infrastructure may be built. The limited economic … Continue reading →

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