Large-scale natural catastrophes are environmental phenomena. Numerous
studies in recent years have concluded that the frequency of occurrence
of such natural disasters have been incereasing. leading to an enhanced
risk of very considerable human and economic losses and the widespread
destruction and pollution of habitats, settlements and infrastructure.
In 2001 over 650 natural disasters happened around the globe with
economic losses exceeding $35 billion. 2004 ended with the South East
Asian tsunami on 26th December with its huge toll on life and local
economics and this demonstrated that the efffects of such disasters are
most keenly felt in poorer or developing regions.
The problem of natural disaster prediction and the implementation of
environmental monitoring systems to receive, store and process the
information necessary for solutions of specific problems in this area,
have been analysed by the three authors of this book, all of whom are
internationally respected experts in this field.