Geoscientists worldwide are developing and applying methodologies to estimate geologic hazards associated with the siting of nuclear facilities. Understanding such hazards, particularly in the context of the long functional lifetimes of many nuclear facilities, is challenging. This book documents the current state-of-the-art in volcanic and tectonic hazard assessment for proposed nuclear facilities, which must be located in areas where the risks associated with geologic processes are quantifiable and demonstrably low. Specific topics include overviews of volcanic and tectonic processes, the history of the development of hazard assessment methodologies, description of current techniques for characterizing hazards, and development of probabilistic methods for estimating risks. Hazard assessment examples are drawn from around the world. This volume will promote interest and debate about this important topic among researchers and graduates developing methods in geologic hazard assessment, geologists and engineers who assess the safety of nuclear facilities, and regulatory bodies that evaluate such assessments.

"...a comprehensive look at the current state of practice in hazard assessment for a range of natural processes. For those entering the field of natural hazards assessment for nuclear facilities, this book will provide useful guidance. For those experienced in the field, the book will be a valuable reference and a storehouse of readily available information. The introductory chapters would be particularly useful for graduate courses on natural hazards assessment, both for the information on assessment methodologies and case histories, and for the reviews of tectonic and volcanic processes with emphasis on those processes that have impact on nuclear safety. ... For anyone interested in the subject, a careful reading of the book will be an educational exercise, a valuable review, and almost certain to provide some unexpected insights." - Richard P. Smith, Environmental & Engineering Geoscience