A nifty popularization of the hard science and history of volcanoes
and earthquakes. Levy and Salvadori are structural engineers who
admit that we "still do not entirely understand 'how earthquakes
work,'" and the ability to predict when they will occur still
eludes us. But we can "forecast quite accurately where they will
happen and how powerful they might be." The understanding that an
earthquake is the "sudden slipping" of tectonic plates goes back
only 40 years, the authors note, and represents the "resounding
triumph of seismology." A prime objective of Levy and Salvadori is
to demonstrate the interrelationship of volcanoes and earthquakes.
They do so successfully by using several examples such as the 1991
eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines. It is believed that a
series of earthquakes in 1990 triggered that eruption, which,
though it claimed 900 lives, could have been far worse but for the
attentive monitoring of seismographs, thermometers, and
inclinometers spread throughout the islands. The authors recount
numerous other quakes and eruptions, including that of Mount Saint
Helens in 1980; Krakatau, an island off Sumatra that "destroyed
itself" in 1883; and the ruin of the glorious city of Lisbon in
1755 from "three great shock waves" and the resulting tsunami and
raging fires. The Lisbon disaster and the devastation of southern
Italy in 1783 led, according to the authors, to the formal study of
earthquakes, i.e., seismology. They also provide a look at what
architects have learned from these occurrences and offer advice to
individuals and homeowners on safety precautions and correct
survival behavior during these powerful phenomena. A fun, sturdy
book filled with helpful charts and dozens of illustrations.
(Kirkus Reviews)
The Story of Earthquakes and Volcanoes
"An excellent survey of earthquakes and their effects--their mystery, terror, and science, and how we are learning to control their forces."--Christopher Arnold, president, Building Systems Development
We expect everything to move except the earth! Anyone who has ever experienced an earthquake or seen news footage of cracking buildings and swaying bridges can appreciate the awe and fear that moving earth can inspire. This book unravels the mystery and the marvel of one of natures most unpredictable and terrifying phenomena: the earthquake.
With a lively text and over 100 illustrations, two of the worlds premier structural engineers take us on a fascinating trip from the Earths beginnings to recent developments in seismic technology. It is one told through the stories of the worst natural disasters of all time: Lisbon, San Francisco, Alaska, Vesuvius, Krakatau, Mount St. Helens. These earthshaking events form the background for an exploration of the nature of earthquakes and volcanoes, the prediction of their behavior, and an up-to-date description of the measures we can take to protect ourselves from their destructive nature.
Matthys Levy, an architectural engineer, has won numerous awards, including the AIA Institute Honor Award. Mario Salvadori is James Renwick Professor Emeritus of Civil Engineering and Professor Emeritus of Architecture at Columbia University. Both authors are principals of Weidlinger Associates, one of Americas leading structural engineering firms, and live in New York City.
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