Comparison and Contrast of Six Geo-Hazards in Six Geographic Locations

This study is designed to assist leaders in and near indigenous communities through the fusion of knowledge of relationships between geological hazards and politico-cultural factors, especially in local decision making processes related to geohazard risks. People of tribally Inclusive Geographic Areas (TIGA) from five international geographic locations were selected: 1) Inupiat: Alaska’s North Slope, 2) Aborigines: Australia 3) Maori: New Zealand 4) American Indian Tribes, USA, and 5) Wum, Nyos: Africa’s Rift Valley. Constructed weighted matrices were utilized to rank geohazard risks. Six politico-cultural factors reviewed and analyzed: 1) Concept of tribal sovereignty in government to government relationships, 2) Blood Quantum enrollment (USA), and 3) politico-economic relationship with local, federal governments. Six geologic hazards in TIGA were reviewed: 1) Tsunami and Ivu (North Slope), 2) Volcanic Eruptive Events and Lahars, 3) Floods, 4) Geomagnetism, 5) Earthquakes, and 6) Landslides, roadside, and roadbed soils degradation. Identification of common politico-cultural factors of indigenous communities related to geohazard risk management were analyzed. Results to date indicate that geomagnetic events are the least managed but pose primarily a temporary economic risk, and where applicable, tsunami hazards and earthquakes pose the greatest risk. Results of data collected from field site visits indicate, a.) Responses to geological disasters in TIGA worldwide are inconsistent and significantly influenced by tribal politico-cultural factors, and b.) In the United States, irresponsible sovereignty efforts actually increase geohazard risks, thereby not always safeguarding all TIGA residents and guests. Future work will refine and add data across TIGA worldwide.