Introduction to Regional Snowfall Index


Book Description

The Regional Snowfall Index, or RSI, is a numerical system developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States to help quantify and compare the severity of snowstorms across different regions. The RSI takes into account several factors, including the amount of snowfall, the area affected, and the population density of the affected region. By using this index, meteorologists and emergency management officials can better prepare for and respond to snowstorms. The RSI is calculated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most severe. A Category 1 snowstorm is considered a moderate event, affecting a relatively small area with limited population. A Category 5 snowstorm, on the other hand, is a major event affecting a large region with high population density and potentially catastrophic impacts. The RSI is a valuable tool for assessing and communicating the potential impacts of snowfall, allowing officials to make more informed decisions regarding resource allocation and emergency response.




An Introduction to Severe Storms and Hazardous Weather


Book Description

This book presents a deep and encompassing survey of severe weather in all its forms. An Introduction to Severe Storms and Hazardous Weather is an exciting new textbook that allows students to learn the principles of atmospheric science through the drama, exhilaration, and even tragedy of severe weather. Balancing breadth and depth, Jeffrey B. Halverson adeptly combines a short, accessible introduction to the basic principles of meteorology with detailed coverage on large- and small-scale weather hazards. He draws on specific up-to-date case studies from North America to illustrate the cause of meteorological events including hurricanes, heavy snow and ice, floods, and tornadoes. Unlike existing books on the market, Halverson delves deep into the societal impacts of these events, drawing on examples from agriculture, utility infrastructure, and commercial aviation. Each chapter also features high-quality, customized color artwork by Thomas D. Rabenhorst that helps to enhance and embed learning. Thorough in its scope, and written with an impeccable focus on the science, this book will be an essential resource for introductory undergraduate courses in severe weather, natural hazards, and extreme meteorology. It is also an excellent supplemental textbook for courses on meteorology and atmospheric science.




Introduction to Emergency Management


Book Description

Introduction to Emergency Management, Eighth Edition sets the standard for excellence in the field and has educated a generation of emergency management professionals. This trusted resource provides a comprehensive overview of core concepts in emergency management and instructs in their application, addressing why the emergency management profession exists, what actions its professionals and practitioners are tasked with performing, and what achievements are sought through the conduct of these various efforts. Students and new professionals alike will gain an enhanced understanding of key terminology and concepts, enabling them to work with emergency management specialists.Fully updated throughout, the new edition includes revised workflows and communications; explanations of FEMA, state, and local emergency management organizational policies; the growing role of the private sector in emergency management; Covid-19 pandemic preparedness and response; and the impact of climate change on emergency management policies and practices, among other timely examples and application areas. Each chapter features all-new case studies on recent disasters, key terms, summary points, and self-review questions. Student and faculty use is supported by an expanded ancillary package, featuring a fuller instructor manual, lecture PowerPoint Slides, and linked documents, data sets, references, and video examples. - Empowers the next generation of emergency management professionals, applying core disaster management approaches and principles across timely, illustrative case studies - Considers the impact of climate change, among other current global challenges, on emergency management policies and practices - Reviews and instructs in emergency management communication, workflows, and organizational policy best practices - Contains an updated, online instructor manual, lecture PowerPoint Slides, further case studies, video examples, and other supporting materials




Introduction to Homeland Security


Book Description

Written by renowned experts, Introduction to Homeland Security, Sixth Edition, informs users about the concepts and bedrock principles of homeland security. Readers will gain a solid appreciation of the broad range of topics that fall within the expanse of the homeland security umbrella and understand how and why they are so closely interconnected. The text will also provide an overview of the evolutionary process behind modern homeland security structures, which helps users to understand why certain functions exist and how they contribute to national and local security efforts. Unlike most books that focus solely on terrorism, this text covers an expansive range of homeland security topics including all-hazards emergency management, cybersecurity, border and transportation security, immigration and customs enforcement, and others. Updated material to cover new developments in the field such as increased terror attacks, cybersecurity safeguards, and administrative changes Balanced account of homeland security in all of its aspects Authoritative voices from content experts Critical thinking exercises included for each topic




Landslides and Engineered Slopes. Experience, Theory and Practice


Book Description

Landslides and Engineered Slopes. Experience, Theory and Practice contains the invited lectures and all papers presented at the 12th International Symposium on Landslides, (Naples, Italy, 12-19 June 2016). The book aims to emphasize the relationship between landslides and other natural hazards. Hence, three of the main sessions focus on Volcanic-induced landslides, Earthquake-induced landslides and Weather-induced landslides respectively, while the fourth main session deals with Human-induced landslides. Some papers presented in a special session devoted to "Subareal and submarine landslide processes and hazard” and in a “Young Session” complete the books. Landslides and Engineered Slopes. Experience, Theory and Practice underlines the importance of the classic approach of modern science, which moves from experience to theory, as the basic instrument to study landslides. Experience is the key to understand the natural phenomena focusing on all the factors that play a major role. Theory is the instrument to manage the data provided by experience following a mathematical approach; this allows not only to clarify the nature and the deep causes of phenomena but mostly, to predict future and, if required, manage similar events. Practical benefits from the results of theory to protect people and man-made works. Landslides and Engineered Slopes. Experience, Theory and Practice is useful to scientists and practitioners working in the areas of rock and soil mechanics, geotechnical engineering, engineering geology and geology.




An Introduction to Statistical Problem Solving in Geography


Book Description

Written for undergraduate geography majors and entry-level graduate students with limited backgrounds in statistical analysis and methods, McGrew and Monroe provide a comprehensive and understandable introduction to statistical methods in a problem-solving framework. Engaging examples and problems are drawn from a variety of topical areas in both human and physical geography and are fully integrated into the text. Without compromising statistical rigor or oversimplifying, the authors stress the importance of written narratives that explain each statistical technique. After introducing basic statistical concepts and terminology, the authors focus on nonspatial and spatial descriptive statistics. They transition to inferential problem solving, including probability, sampling, and estimation, before delving deeper into inferential statistics for geographic problem solving. The final chapters examine the related techniques of correlation and regression. A list of major goals and objectives is included at the end of each chapter, allowing students to monitor their own progress and mastery of geographic statistical materials. An epilogue, offering over 150 geographic situations, gives students a chance to figure out which statistical technique should be used for a particular situation.







Special Report


Book Description







Snow Engineering: Recent Advances


Book Description

The objective of the conference was to provide a forum for engineers, architects and scientists to discuss a broad range of research and design methods for various problems related to snow engineering. Specialists in building and civil engineering, environmental engineering, energy engineering, urban planning, and regional development as well as snow scientists were brought together for the conference. The technical sessions were in five thematic areas as follows: Snow technology and science; Building and construction engineering; Infrastructure and transportation; Housing and residential planning; Development strategy in snow countries. The 115 papers provide keys to realize more comfortable living conditions in snow countries and to overcome many problems in heavy snow regions.