Challenges Associated with Creeping Disasters in Disaster Risk Science and Practice:Considering Disaster Onset Dynamics

In this article,we set out to reconcile a general conceptualization of disaster temporalities by drawing on the epitome example of a creeping disaster,namely famine.Our argument is driven by the recognition that slowly manifesting disaster impacts pose distinct challenges for decision makers and researchers while there is a tendency for the disaster literature to overlook the role of disaster onset dynamics.More specifically and as a starting point,we identify four key themes that merit particular attention when dealing with creeping disasters:(1)our understanding of disaster as a phenomenon;(2)measurement and operationalization;(3)early warning and response;and(4)disaster management and termination.By integrating conceptual discussions of disaster with famine scholarship—a phenomenon often excluded from mainstream disaster research—this article provides fresh perspectives on disaster science as well as a number of implications for how we think about disaster risk reduction.

Effect of temperature on the leaching of heavy metals from nickel mine tailings in the arctic area,Norway

The leaching of heavy metals from tailings deposit due to the oxidation of sulphidic tailings and formation of acidic leachate is considered a high risk to the surrounding environment.Temperature plays an important role in the leaching of heavy metals from tailings in changing acid-based environment,especially in the Arctic area.To investigate how the temperature variation affected metal release from tailings in the Arctic area,a series of column leaching experiments was conducted under four temperature situations(5°C,10°C,14°C and 18°C).Physicochemical properties,Fe,Zn,Ni and Mn concentrations of leachates at each cycle were measured,and multivariate statistical analysis was applied to research the effect of temperature on heavy metals leaching from tailings in the Arctic area.The results showed that higher temperatures encouraged tailings to oxidation and sulfuration of and promoted heavy metal release from the tailings through precipitation and erosion.Ni,Zn and Mn have similar releasing resources from tailings and positive correlation in the leaching activity.Rising temperature accelerated Fe leaching;Fe leaching promoted leaching of the other metals,especially of Mn.Appropriately increase temperature will accelerate oxidization and sulfidization of the tailings,promote acid generation and increase TDS and,finally,promote the release of heavy metals.Climate change,with rising temperatures increasing the risk of heavy metals leaching from the tailings,should be given greater attention.Keeping tailings away from the appropriate temperature and in a higher alkalinity is a good method to control the leaching of heavy metals from tailings.