Contents

The monograph is a comprehensive work, which compiles and synthesizes the state of art of the principal fields of classical and applied geosciences of the Central American region in an authoritative two volume issue and presents many new and stimulating ideas. I t covers in an integrated approach general geology, earth resources and geo-hazards, and will help to overcome political frontiers by addressing geological units and geological problems and resources in a regional context.

Over 90 competent contributors from 18 countries have contributed to compile a unique, concise monograph completely considering the published literature available, including many internal reports among their experience. Numerous literature references provide the entry to specialized literature on the regional geology and make the monograph a valuable reference.

Individual chapters cover different aspects as regional geology and tectonic units and elements, geological, structural and paleogeographical history and evolution, igneous and metamorphic rocks as well as geophysical characteristics, geomorphology and marine geology. Mineral and raw material deposits, water resources, hydrocarbon potential, geothermal potential, geotourism resources, and the possibiliy and needs of their economic and susainable use, are discussed for the different rock or tectonic units. Thereby, institutional, policy regulations and potential financial obstacles which hinder their exploitation and protection, and ways to overcome such problems are considered.

Central America , which covers 525,780 km 2 , and which has a population of 40 million, has a relative high population density of more t han 70 inhabitants/km 2 , is one of the world's regions most prone to geology-related natural disasters. According to these hazards, the monograph addresses monitoring and forecast of seismic and volcanic activities including warning systems as a key issue to improve information and capacity of the readers concerned with geological disaster reduction using technical and scientific information in a holistic approach as base for their decision making.

The monograph is equally addressed to professionals, academics and students of the geological, geographical and engineering community on local, regional and international level. It is also directed the Central American and international key institutions dealing with land-use planning, water resource planning, seismic and volcanic hazard reduction, energy planning, mining, and urban and infrastructure development. The monograph also addresses scientists visiting or preparing to do work in Central America . Not at last, the monograph will fill a gap no t only between the Geology of the Americans (North and South America) but also the Caribbean region.