The Interpretation of Protheros Thoughts in the Book Catastrophes - Literature review Example

Catastrophes in the Context of the Book by Prothero Risk Introduction Catastrophes in the context of the book by Prothero refer to events resulting in loss and misfortune. They represent a manifested risk to the human population. Often, people do not focus on the complexities of nature that lead to the occurrence of catastrophes. Prothero (2011), based on the Lisbon earthquake argues that, people fail to address one important question; what is the precursor of catastrophic phenomena? (20) This question guides the interpretation of Prothero’s thoughts in the book Catastrophes! It is important to note that, catastrophes occurred even in the ancient times, when the church was the ultimate authority. In the 1700’s, the church discouraged inquisitions into the phenomena that resulted to catastrophes. In fact, ancient scholars such as Aristotle were jailed for writing journals about science. Therefore, people believed in religious dogmas that inhibited the understanding of the catastrophe occurrence; thus heightened the chance of loss or damage. Based on Prothero’s interpretation, risk from catastrophes becomes manageable when there is a possibility of explaining the phenomena using mathematical or natural laws. Definition of Risk Risk refers to the potential that an action or phenomena may result to undesirable outcome characterized by loss. Using the word potential indicates that, we have the ability to control the outcome. Catastrophes are natural hazards; thus, their outcome presents a risk. In the context of this summary, risk focuses on the undesirable outcomes based on changes in the environment. Risk assessment Risk assessment involves the investigation of the quantitative and qualitative risk based on hazard. In the book Catastrophes! The author analyses major catastrophes in the USA with respect to risk. Prothero (2011) believes that, assigning a value to the relative hazard of a natural disaster can assess the risk associated with each catastrophe (226). The values assigned are calculated to reflect percentages as below; Key According to Prothero, size determines the level of risk. Through risk analysis, it is possible to quantify the probability of a catastrophe to cause harm to the human population. Acceptable risk An acceptable risk refers to a risk that can be neglected without serious consequences. This is the level of risk around which mankind can survive. Natural phenomena present many risks that can be disregarded since the probability of causing harm of inflicting pain is not high. A good example of acceptable risk highlighted in Prothero’s work is wildfires with a low of 0.4%. It is important to note that, the magnitude of risk depends on humanitarian consideration. In determining whether a risk is acceptable, one may ask; what is the possible effect if the catastrophe on all forms of life? If the possible effect is reduced, then the risk is acceptable. Response Prothero’s risk assessment criteria in the book Catastrophe! is formidable. The analysis of relative hazard based on the dynamics of catastrophe perception is satisfactory. Prothero assigns percentages to different variables of hazard; thus, one can determine the possible causes of risk. Can we Survive nature- and our own folly? According to Prothero (2011) humans today have a better chance of survival than during early times (264). Prothero’s argument focuses on the fact that catastrophes can assume mathematical values. Furthermore, the law of nature explains humans’ position on the universe; thus, catastrophes do not present complex challenges. In proportion, the occurrence of catastrophes continues to get high. Prothero attributes the increase in the instances of disaster to the folly of human beings. The rationale for human folly lies in the ill treatment of the environment. Consider the statistics in the pie chart above; 1. Heat/Drought- 19.6% (level of risk) 2. Severe Weather- 18.8% The variables stated above are due to the degradation of the environment as a result of human folly. Proportion represents qualitative analysis of different factors specifically human populations and the level of risk. The Global perspective of natural disasters has changed over time. Today, the world views natural disasters as a problem created by mankind. It is globally accepted that human beings have the ability to control the frequency of catastrophe occurrence. Geology concepts Timescales-: Refer to geological concepts that illustrate the division of time around the earth. Prothero argues that, scientists use this concept to determine the exact time when a catastrophe may occur. Earth’s Interior-: Prothero (2011) states that the earth is the epitome of human solidity (21). Geologically, the earth’s interior refers to the structure of the earth under the surface. The chemical and rheological properties of elements determine the earth’s interior structure. Plate tectonics- : This concept describes the large scale movements of the lithosphere. The lithosphere comprises of tectonic plates which slide over each other causing motions of the earth. The concept focuses on the aspect of continental drifts. Prothero describes the feeling an earthquake evokes in the story covering the introduction of seismographs (23). This concept explains the occurrence of earthquakes. Volcanoes-: This geological concept refers to the rapture of the earth’s service allowing hot magma and gases to escape from the ground. Volcanoes and plate tectonics are intertwined, in that, volcanoes occur when there are converging and diverging tectonic plates. Slope stability-: Is an analysis of the dynamics of the slopes forming the earth and the embankments. This concept relates to the occurrence of catastrophes due to the probability of forming a line of weakness in areas where the slope is unstable. Oceanography Concepts Ocean Basins Geologically, ocean basins are geologic basins below sea level. Ocean basins have features, such as, ocean trenches, continental shelves and mountain ranges. Ocean basins change structure with time depending on the movement of tectonic plates. A good example of the changing ocean basins is the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, which exhibit growth and expansion. On the other hand, the pacific and Antarctic oceans have actively shrinking oceanic basins. It is crucial to note that, basins form through outgassing water from beneath the surface emptied into the atmosphere. The water then flowed to deep spots forming oceans. Oceans also have a lot of volcanic and faulty lines based on the motions of the surface. Sea Floor The floor of the ocean harbors many activities. Tsunamis and volcanoes result from activities on the floor based on the formation of vaults. For example, tsunamis are caused by outward movement of energy and underwater landslides. Shorelines Shorelines are characterized by narrow continental shelves and broad continental margins. The main difference between the two lies in the impact by the waves. Narrow continental shelves get impacted heavily by waves and tend to have cliffs. On the hand, are not impacted heavily by waves and form sediments on the shoreline. Tsunamis Tsunamis are seismic sea waves formed by a displacement of the sea floor of slide events. The best description of a tsunami is that, they are wave forms not fixed to their cause. Prothero (2011) focuses on the consequences of tsunamis as a measure of catastrophic variables (78). Prothero describes the occurrence of tsunamis through a story, where he claims that, speed uncovers the logic behind tsunamis. On the open seam tsunamis have greater speed but, tend to go unnoticed unlike on shorelines with buildings. In the book Catastrophe! the gives examples of tsunamis that occur with devastating effects. Outside the box, consider the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 where a young girl and her family were saved because she recognized the signs of an approaching tsunami. The girl helped her family and some other people move away from the shoreline and up to a high position in a building. How did she know it was coming, yet so many adults didn’t? This question forms the point of focus for the author in analyzing other cases of tsunami. Works cited Prothero, Donald. Catastrophes! : Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Tornadoes and other Earth shattering Disasters. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Hospital Press, 2011, Print. Read More