ABSTRACT
As spatial variation is a fundamental aspect of natural hazards, extreme phenomena have long been a fruitful subject for geographical study. Landslides, floods and volcanic landscapes have occupied geomorphologists, storms have been a focus of enquiry by climatologists and hazard perception has been investigated by social geographers. This chapter first defines the concept of ‘natural hazard’ with respect to its theoretical and geographical underpinnings. It then considers the origins of modern hazards studies in Geography and examines the developing roles of physical and human geographers in this interdisciplinary field. Next, the evaluates the opportunities for unification and considers the extent to which they have been exploited. Finally, the barriers to integrated hazards studies are discussed and future opportunities for synthesis are described.
