Perils of a Restless Planet: Scientific Perspectives on Natural Disasters

ISBN-13: 9780521654883 / Angielski / Miękka / 1999 / 324 str.

Ernest Zebrowski; Ernest Jr Zebrowski

Opis

From epidemics and earthquakes to tornados and tidal waves, the overwhelming power of nature never ceases to instill humankind with both terror and awe. As natural disasters continue to claim human lives and leave destruction in their wake, Perils of a Restless Planet examines our attempts to understand and anticipate such phenomena. Now available in paperback, this highly acclaimed book draws on actual events from ancient to present times. Coverage focuses on basic scientific inquiry, technological innovation and, ultimately, public policy to provide a lucid and riveting look at the natural events that have shaped our view of natural disasters. While shedding light on the elusive quality of nature's intermittent tantrums and the limits scientific study and laboratory replication impose on our understanding of its mercurial ways, the author extrapolates from the history of science to suggest how we may someday learn to warn and protect the vulnerable populations on our small, tempestuous planet. Compelling and informative, this book will find readers both in and outside of the scientific community.

Recenzje

'A wide-ranging, gratifyingly lively investigation into the more violent ravings of Mother Nature … it is nature's fury that makes this book vibrate.' Kirkus Reviews

Spis treści

Preface; 1. Life on the Earth's crust; 2. The evolution of science; 3. Hazards of shelter; 4. Death and life; 5. Restless seas; 6. Earth in upheaval; 7. Volcanoes and asteroid impacts; 8. Deadly winds; 9. Science and irreproducible phenomena; Appendices; Index.