Springer Praxis book receives 2009 Burwell Award

The Springer Praxis book Debris-flow Hazards and Related Phenomena, edited by Matthias Jakob and Oldrich Hungr, has received the Edward Burwell, Jr. Award from The Geological Society of America. This award is made to the author or authors of a published paper or book of distinction that advances knowledge concerning principles or practice of engineering geology, or of related fields of applied soil or rock mechanics where the role of geology is emphasized. The Burwell Award will be presented later this year on 9 October in Portland, Oregon, at the 2009 GSA Annual Meeting.

With climate change and deforestation, debris flows and debris avalanches have become the most significant landslide hazards in many countries. In recent years there have been numerous debris flow avalanches in Southern Europe, South America and the Indian Subcontinent, resulting in major catastrophes and large loss of life. Debris-flow Hazards and Related Phenomena addresses this high-profile problem, providing relevant information for the world's governments and for the engineers and scientists concerned.

"Matthias Jakob and Oldrich Hungr were ideally suited to edit this book. Matthias Jakob has worked on debris flow for over a decade and has had numerous papers published on the topic. Oldrich Hungr has worked on site investigations on debris flow, avalanches and rockfall, with emphasis on slope stability analysis and evaluation of risks to roads in built-up areas. I congratulate them on this prestigious award," said Clive Horwood, Publisher of Praxis, which co-produced the book with Springer.

Source: Springer