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Ebook342 pages5 hours
Earthquake Storms: An Unauthorized Biography of the San Andreas Fault
By John Dvorak
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
3.5/5
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About this ebook
A geologist explores the fault line that threatens disaster for millions in this “must-read for earthquake buffs—and West Coast residents” (Library Journal).
It’s a geological structure that spans almost the entire length of California. Dozens of major highways and interstates cross it. Scores of housing developments have been built over it. And its name has become so familiar that it’s now synonymous with the very concept of an earthquake.
Yet, to many of those who are affected by it, the San Andreas Fault is practically invisible and shrouded in mystery. For decades, scientists have warned that the fault is primed for a colossal quake. According to geophysicist John Dvorak, such a sudden shift of the Earth’s crust is inevitable—and may be a geologic necessity.
In Earthquake Storms, Dvorak explains the science behind the San Andreas Fault, a transient, evolving system that’s key to our understanding of worldwide seismic activity. He traces it from the redwood forests to the east edge of the Salton Sea, through two of the largest urban areas of the country: San Francisco and Los Angeles. Its network of subsidiary faults runs through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica, and the Hayward Fault slices the football stadium at the University of California in half. As he warns of peril, Dvorak lays out the worst-case scenario, which he believes is coming: an awakening of the fault leading to years of volatile “earthquake storms.”
Hailed by Booklist as “a fascinating look at what could be in store,” Dvorak’s comprehensive and accessible study will change the way you see the ground beneath your feet.
It’s a geological structure that spans almost the entire length of California. Dozens of major highways and interstates cross it. Scores of housing developments have been built over it. And its name has become so familiar that it’s now synonymous with the very concept of an earthquake.
Yet, to many of those who are affected by it, the San Andreas Fault is practically invisible and shrouded in mystery. For decades, scientists have warned that the fault is primed for a colossal quake. According to geophysicist John Dvorak, such a sudden shift of the Earth’s crust is inevitable—and may be a geologic necessity.
In Earthquake Storms, Dvorak explains the science behind the San Andreas Fault, a transient, evolving system that’s key to our understanding of worldwide seismic activity. He traces it from the redwood forests to the east edge of the Salton Sea, through two of the largest urban areas of the country: San Francisco and Los Angeles. Its network of subsidiary faults runs through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica, and the Hayward Fault slices the football stadium at the University of California in half. As he warns of peril, Dvorak lays out the worst-case scenario, which he believes is coming: an awakening of the fault leading to years of volatile “earthquake storms.”
Hailed by Booklist as “a fascinating look at what could be in store,” Dvorak’s comprehensive and accessible study will change the way you see the ground beneath your feet.
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Author
John Dvorak
John Dvorak, PhD, has studied volcanoes and earthquakes around the world for the United States Geological Survey, first at Mount St. Helens in 1980, then a series of assignments in Hawaii, Italy, Indonesia, Central America and Alaska. In addition to dozens of papers published in scientific journals, Dvorak has written cover stories for Scientific American, Astronomy and Physics Today.
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Reviews for Earthquake Storms
Rating: 3.6666666666666665 out of 5 stars
3.5/5
3 ratings2 reviews
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I received this ebook through Netgalley for an honest review.
Fascinating book about the history and science of seismology, centered around the San Andreas Fault in California. The book was very well-written, and the author is very adept at breaking down so pretty complex scientific terms into something laymen can understand. The insight about the various scientists and people involved was the most interesting part, tying their lives into the study of earthquakes around the world. The one chapter that didn't do that, chapter 11, was the hardest to understand: it was almost completely scientific jargon.
Two things would have brought my rating up to a 5-star. First, this book needs maps. The author is obviously familiar with the area, and his descriptions of what to look for on a specific street corner when facing a specific direction is great. But for readers that don't know the area or have never been to California, this is very hard to conceptualize. Second, the ebook edition had all of the pictures at the end. I think these would be better served located in the applicable chapters.
Overall, a satisfying study of the San Andreas Fault system. Recommended for anyone interested in the history, study, and science of seismology and earthquakes. - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Thank you to Net Galley and Open Road Media for an ARC for an unbiased review!
Earthquake Storms is a brief look at the history of the San Andres fault in California. The book includes brief biographical details about major researchers, history of the faults oldest earthquakes, future earthquakes and the scientific tools used in the measurements of the daily life of the San Andres.
If you’re looking for a whistle blowing publication, you should look elsewhere. Dvorak develops facts based on scientific research and gives the reader a brief introduction into the academic world of earth sciences. The book only briefly touches upon future predictions, and even then, does not overestimate the magnitude or damage caused by the next big movement San Andres event.
It was refreshing to learn about the history of California’s interest in earth sciences: from the gold rush, to the modern day desire for earthquake warning systems. The book briefly explains Grover Gilbert, Harry Fielding Reid and the origin of the term “Richter Scale”. In the more fascinating portion of the book we learn about the breaking up of Pangaea, the development of today’s island rings, and the role of plate tectonics on the development of mountains, the sea bed floor and the coast lines. Everything an average reader would want to learn about our planet.
My only concern is the last chapter or two were very technical. I understood about 20% of Dvorak’s explanations and descriptions of the mineral deposits, rock formations and landscape. I have never been to California, much of the descriptions were confusing and not as useful to my understanding as a Californian native.
I would highly suggest this book to a person who has very little understanding of plate tectonics, and the history of earthquake research. The book covers all the basics in easy to understand lingo, and down to earth descriptions (no pun intended).