Earthquake Storms, John Dvorak
Earthquake Storms, John Dvorak
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Earthquake Storms
The Fascinating History and Volatile Future of the San Andreas Fault

Author: John Dvorak

Narrator: Malcolm Hillgartner

Unabridged: 8 hr 49 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/15/2014


Synopsis

The lives of millions will be changed after it breaks, and yet so few people understand it, or even realize it runs through their backyard. Dvorak reveals the San Andreas Fault's fascinating history—and its volatile future.It is a prominent geological feature that is almost impossible to see unless you know where to look. Hundreds of thousands of people drive across it every day. The San Andreas Fault is everywhere—and primed for a colossal quake. For decades scientists have warned that such a sudden shifting of the earth's crust is inevitable. In fact, it is a geologic necessity.The San Andreas Fault runs almost the entire length of California, from the redwood forest to the east edge of the Salton Sea. Along the way, it passes through two of the largest urban areas of the country—San Francisco and Los Angeles. Dozens of major highways and interstates cross it. Scores of housing developments have been planted over it. The words San Andreas are so familiar today that they have become synonymous with earthquake.Yet few people understand the San Andreas or the network of subsidiary faults it has spawned. Some run through Hollywood, others through Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. The Hayward Fault slices the football stadium at the University of California in half. Even among scientists, few appreciate that the San Andreas Fault is a transient, evolving system that, as seen today, is younger than the Grand Canyon and key to our understanding of earthquakes worldwide.

About John Dvorak

John Dvorak worked on volcanoes and earthquakes for the US Geological Survey, first at Mount Saint Helens then as a series of assignments in California, Hawaii, Italy, Indonesia, Central America, and Alaska. He has written cover stories for Scientific American, Physics Today, and Astronomy magazines, as well as a series of essays about earthquakes and volcanoes for American Scientist. Dvorak has taught at the University of Hawaii and lectured at UCLA, Washington University in St. Louis, the Lunar and Planetary Institute, and the Smithsonian Institution, among others.

About Malcolm Hillgartner

Malcolm Hillgartner is a professional actor, playwright, and songwriter. In 2007, he began recording audiobooks and has since recorded more than 175 titles. He has won multiple Earphones Awards and was named a Best Voice of 2013 by AudioFile magazine.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Jean

This book is almost entirely focused on California, with a bit of discussion about other great quakes in world history. It is lucidly written and easily understandable to the lay person. The book covers both the geology of the San Andreas Fault and the history including such people as Grover Gilbert......more

Goodreads review by Sophy

2.5 stars This was an informative book but tended to focus more on the individuals (mainly men) throughout the history of studying earthquakes. There are detailed sections on seismologists, geologists, palaeontologists, right down to their physical appearance, where they lived, who they married and......more

Goodreads review by Ben

I had no idea that so much earthquake science developed in California. Fascinating for the way it relates recent history to the geography around us. Dvorak is a great storyteller. > In 1864, in recognition of his leadership, his men named the highest peak in the Sierra Nevada Mountains—which is also......more


Quotes

“A massive earthquake is overdue at the southern end of the San Andreas Fault. Conditions are right for the ‘Big One’ to hit a hundred-mile segment of the fault that would be felt from San Diego to Los Angeles. But the problem is being able to pinpoint when the quake may strike.” NPR

“Dvorak, formerly of the US Geological Survey, treats Californians and other tectonics enthusiasts to an enjoyable history of the Golden State’s earthquakes alongside a bracing look at potential future ones.” Publishers Weekly

“A thoroughly rewarding explanation of earthquakes built around the famous San Andreas fault, which runs the length of California…Although almost entirely focused on California, this is a fine popular primer on the subject, lucidly written and no more technical than necessary.” Kirkus Reviews