Earthquakes and Geological Discovery Author:Bruce A. Bolt Time and again we have seen the terrifying power and devastation of a great earthquake. It releases perhaps the most destructive and fearsome force of nature. But as scientists have learned, earthquakes are also one of nature's most informative events. The seismic waves that ultimately shake the surface carry with them evidence of the struct... more »ural variations along their path, of ruptures at the Earth's crust, and of movements of tectonic plates. They virtually open a window to the Earth's interior and have proven to be our most effective deep probe of the inner parts of the planet.
In fact, multifaceted earthquake research has played a large role in the remarkable expansion and accomplishments of geology over the last two decades. Leading the way in this effort is an observational program as remarkable as any in the history of science - a global network of earthquake observatories that continues to amass information on the causes of seismic waves, the paths along which they propagate, and the indications they give of movement deep in the Earth. The ensuing seismological studies have helped shape a geological theory of the whole Earth that explains not only the locations and origins of earthquakes, but also the pattern and growth of mountain ranges, volcanoes, and trenches in the ocean floor.
'Earthquakes and Geological Discovery' describes how and why scientists trace seismic activity and measure the extent and patterns of seismic waves. Through analysis of numerous earthquakes, both historical and present, eminent seismologist Bruce Bolt illustrates that basic geological lessons are learned in almost every occurrence of these highly varied events.
In addition, Bolt show how seismographic data are used to mitigate the risk of future earthquakes by incorporating the latest theoretical models, technologies, and techniques (including man-made earthquakes). Bolt describes the tree-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. He concludes by 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.« less