Geomorphology And Environmental Impact Assessment

This volume focuses on the close relationship between geomorphology and environmental impact assessment, and provides a wide-ranging overview of this topic. It includes several case studies covering a variety of environmental impacts derived from human activities (quarrying, communication infrastructure etc.) on different geomorphologic components (landforms, soil, landscapes etc.) and environments (glacial, fluvial, coastal etc.) The case studies presented offer a methodological guide from the most traditional geomorphological approaches through to the use of spatial data analysis and GIS tools and techniques. Environmental Impact Assessment is a relatively new scientific branch in which a wide variety of specialists are increasingly becoming involved. This volume will be of interest to geomorphologists, biologists, geographers, architects and engineers.

Offers a comprehensive coverage of the methods used in environmental impact assessment, which is now firmly established as an obligatory procedure in proposing or launching any development project with possible impacts on the environment.

Geomorphology has now reached a certain level where the methodology, scientific content and results being published in the field make it worthy of being considered as a major environmental research area. In preparing Environmental Geomorphology, the author has given priority to methodology and illustrative case-histories. Schemes and classifications that would be ill-suited for a naturalistic, empirical and non-systematic discipline like geomorphology have been avoided. The concepts outlined in the text are based on a subdivision of geomorphological resources and hazards (as well as their links with man) together with the consequent risk and impact problems. Each investigation, study or intervention concerning the environment, cannot ignore either the human context in which it occurs or man's history and prospects. It is necessary to have the right dialogue and relationship with the other disciplines making up this system so as to apply the most suitable methodologies and offer the most valid solutions. For some subjects covered in the book, specialists concerned with a particular section of environmental geomorphology were consulted. The text of each chapter is accompanied by several illustrative schemes, figures and photographs, derived from real research and professional experiences. The volume is addressed both to university students studying topics of geomorphology as part of their syllabus, and to researchers and consultants (geologists, geographers, engineers, naturalists, etc.) working in the field.

Environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) is an important and often obligatory part of proposing or launching any development project. Delivering a successful ESIA needs not only an understanding of the theory but also a detailed knowledge of the methods for carrying out the processes required. Riki Therivel and Graham Wood bring together the latest advice on best practice from experienced practitioners to ensure an ESIA is carried out effectively and efficiently. This new edition: • explains how an ESIA works and how it should be carried out • demonstrates the links between socio-economic, cultural, environmental and ecological systems and assessments • incorporates the World Bank’s IFC performance standards, and best practice examples from developing as well as developed countries • includes new chapters on emerging ESIA topics such as climate change, ecosystem services, cultural impacts, resource efficiency, land acquisition and involuntary resettlement. Invaluable to undergraduate and MSc students of ESIA on planning, ecology, geography and environment courses, this internationally oriented fourth edition of Methods of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is also of great use to planners, ESIA practitioners and professionals seeking to update their skills.

This book should prove of value to all students taking courses in geomorphology, particularly those with an emphasis on practical applications, as well as to engineers, geologists, professional geomorphologists and environmental managers in all fields.

A statement from the world's leading geomorphologists on the state of, and potential changes to, the environment.

This is the first book to bring together practical examples from around the world to show how geomorphological evidence can help in effective land utilisation and hazard risk assessment. Case studies provide important lessons in risk management, and experts provide summaries of current research. The text also promotes good practice and effective land use, and looks at problems caused by misuse of the environment and potential solutions based on geomorphological evidence.