Earthquakes and Geological Discovery: A Scientific American Library (Scientific American Library Series)

Earthquakes and Geological Discover describes how and whv scientists trace seismic activirv and measure the extent and patterns of seismic waves. Through analvsis of numerous earthquakes, both historical a'nd present, eminent seismologist Bruce Bolt illustrates that basic geological lessons are learned in almost even, occurrence of these highly varied events. In addition, Bolt shows how seismographic data are used to mitigate the risk of future earthquakes by incorporating the latest theoretical models, technologies, and techniques (including manmade earthquakes). Bolt describes the three-pronged effort to predict the occurrence of earthquakes-the search for warning signs, the review of patterns of past occurrences, and the measurement of the strain on faults. fle concludes bv focusing on the crucial challenge of predicting the intensity of ground shaking, demonstrating how an understanding of seismic intensity leads to the construction of safer buildings and to other measures that reduce an earthquake's potential for destruction.