| Abstract | After several decades of research and study, our technical understanding of the triggers, failure mechanics, flow processes, impacts and other details of landslides is impressive. Qualitative and
quantitative models and methods for describing, analyzing and forecasting slope instability continue to advance at incredible speed. Similarly, the numbers of conferences, books, articles and new journals that address the technical aspects of
landslide study have increased to unmanageable levels. Although such positive advances and inspiring outputs are essential for the professional community at large who are actively involved in the study of landslides, the translation of this body of
knowledge to the non-specialist has fallen considerably behind. Recognizing this disparity in information transfer, the Geological Survey of Canada and the US Geological Survey embarked on a cooperative initiative to produce a book suitable for a
wide range of non-technical individuals who could directly benefit from an enhanced appreciation and better knowledge of landslide fundamentals. The risk reduction philosophy adopted by the two agencies centered on the principle that an informed and
educated public is less vulnerable to landslide hazards. The broad target audience included municipal level planners, developers, builders, the general public interested in the phenomena, as well as home and other property owners that now are or
could be faced with the potential hazards associated with landslides. The focus of "The Landslide Handbook" was to provide an easy to understand and user-friendly guide to landslides. The volume consists of three sections: Basic Information About
Landslides, Evaluating and Communicating Landslide Hazard, and Mitigation Concepts and Approaches. Section 1 defines landslides, reviews the basic types of landslides, and then addresses where they tend to occur, what causes slopes to fail, what are
some of the effects and consequences of landslides and finally the interrelationship of landslides with other natural hazards. Section 2 comprises two parts: a review of the visual methods of inspection of landslide terrain including a more detailed
discussion of technological tools for evaluation (e.g. remote sensing, drilling, geophysical studies, etc.), as well as a general discussion on communication centred on safety issues, building/construction, local government outreach and other
examples. Section 3 deals with an overview of mitigation concepts and approaches. This includes numerous examples relative to different landslide types. There are four additional annexes which supplement the preceding sections, expanding on
terminology, landslide characteristics, mapping methods, stabilization and mitigation techniques and a common sense summary of what to do and how to avoid potential problems. The volume is well illustrated in full colour, is printed on heavy bond
paper and ring bound so that the user can refer to the manual under "field" conditions.
The global popularity of the recently released text is evident (http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1325/). Progress is now underway to translate the book into Chinese,
Japanese, Italian and even Amharic! |