This book is interesting, educational and at times downright entertaining. It combines science and history, grand adventures, the personal experience of a dedicated, passionate geophysicist, and engages us with the depth and breadth of current research in the earth sciences. It straddles many disciplines, is universal in scope, and transnational in character.
From the depths of terrestrial Earth to the floor of the ocean abyss, seismographs are planted to enhance our knowledge of the geological forces at play, in search of the holy grail of predicting the time and location of earthquakes, to provide advance warning to populations at risk, thereby mitigating the terrible death toll caused by these natural disasters.
Even explorations on the moon and on Mars may provide information relevant to Planet Earth, as their quake history may shed light on the causes of earthquakes here at home.
We are treated to a simplified, bare bones account of the science behind earthquakes, how they occur, how they are measured, the prediction of after shocks and other salient features. I had to read a couple of the sections twice, but don't be daunted by that. Doubtless I am a dullard and you will surpass my speed of comprehension. I now have my P waves and S waves straight!
Perhaps at times we are guilty of viewing scientists as dull boffins, wedded only to facts, with even the simplest concepts supported by a dizzying array of mathematical mystery. Hrvoje Tkalčić will disabuse you of this notion. You are left with the impression that he is as delighted today as he was when he first entertained the idea of this kind of career. The magic, the wonder, the sheer pleasure of it all has only intensified with the years.
That's a good thing for all of us!
When Worlds Quake: The Quest to Understand the Interior of Earth and Beyond - Princeton University Press
Hrvoje Tkalčić
Hardcover - US$29.95 - ISBN: 9780691271477
312 pages - 5.5 x 8.5 inches (13.75 x 21.25 cm)
8-page colour insert - 30 black-and-white illustrations
Publications date: 13 January, 2026
This does look like a really interesting book. The world we live on is a wonderful and fascinating place. Predicting them to saves lifes is a must.
ReplyDeletePredicting earthquakes is complex, Ananka. And many nations are reluctant to allocate the funding necessary to conduct extensive research. Now another nuclear warhead...that's a whole different thing.
DeleteFunding is certainly going to the wrong things isn't it. Crazy world we are in David.
DeleteI have to read ten times what you read twice!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are smarter than me and know more about all academic subjects.
I stick to novels and poems. That has been my specialty since childhood and has only grown stronger as an adult.
As you once wrote in a comment on my blog, we two are very different, but it is not a problem for me, let's read each other's blogs!.:)
I learned from you today too. Thanks. Éva
Thanks for sharing about this book, David. It looks like a worthwhile read.
ReplyDelete...I must say that I have enough trouble understanding the surface of the earth,
ReplyDeleteI know that your mind in subterranean at times, Tom!
DeleteYou could make a tax return interesting..You always seem to draw one in even if they have no particular interest in the subject..You make me want to know more...Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteThat’s because you are earth-shattering yourself, Missy.
DeleteThanks David for introducing this book. I'm sure I would have to read it several times to really get it all. Have a nice evening.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds fascinating David. I have to admit it is a subject I know very little about. You make it sound so interesting. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteYou do find the most interesting books!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sounds like an interesting. The earthquake in Christchurch in 2010 was on an unknown fault line. These seismographs are important. The fault line through the Alps here is overdue but we better don't think about it lol
ReplyDeleteYes, New Zealand is very prone to more quakes.
DeleteSeems a very interesting book, David. I do get intrigued sometimes about these types of things, as I always want to learn more.
ReplyDeleteI hope you never have to learn from practical experience.
DeleteA very educational read, I bet!
ReplyDeleteAnother well-documented presentation David!!
ReplyDeletePeople are always interested in the explanation of our world.
The outside as well as the inside of the earth..
Thank you very much for this information it looks like an extremely interesting book!!
The combination of science and history, and a bit of adventure... that's quite interesting. Our Earth is such an amazing planet, and still we don't know so much about it.
ReplyDelete(My latest post: A Sunday surprise
I do know that where earthquakes cause the most deaths tend to be places with not very strict building codes.
ReplyDeleteIt’s true and many structures predate strict building codes.
DeleteThis seems like a very interesting book, David.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Thursday.
Best regards Irma
Hari OM
ReplyDeletethis made me nostalgic; my dear friend Gail, who left far too early last year, was a geophysicist and we had many interesting conversations regarding Scotland's geology. Had she still been with us, I'd have been tempted by this, in order to engender more questions to put to her... YAM xx
I have no doubt it would have stimulated great conversations between you.
DeleteI had to giggle when I got to the dull boffin. Still smiling. I feel just like Eva. if you are a dull boffin, what am I?? I had to look it up to see if I am one. per Wiki Boffin is a British slang term for a scientist, engineer, or other person engaged in technical or scientific research and development, sigh, I can't claim to be one, but I can claim to be DULL...
ReplyDeleteI agree this is fascinating and needed to be written. does it have pictures? ha ha ha.
I am leaving now to draw more dull stuff for you to look at
I don’t consider you are dull at all, Sandra. Quite the contrary. For a person trapped at home you show remarkable creativity.
DeleteIt looks like a very interesting book, David. Earthquakes scares me, and vulcanos too. It must be terrible for they who experiences them. It was a small earthquake here some years ago. It have been many vulcanos in Norway, but it's a very long time ago.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
Another interesting good read, thanks David.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I'd love to read some more material on the New Madrid seismic zone. When anyone talks about fault lines and earthquakes, it seems this one gets looked over.
ReplyDeleteNot to be too pedantic here, but I think you mean overlooked. Looked over indicates that it is indeed examined.
DeleteThis one looks very complicated, way out of my wheelhouse. But it does address a big issue and an interesting one. I'm glad someone gets it and can share the word!
ReplyDeleteOoh, this sounds like a great adventure in reading. This may have to go on my 'gifting' list.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing and you and Miriam have a wondrous day.
Hello David :)
ReplyDeleteEarthquakes are terrifying occurances. I have felt the earth moving a couple of times in my lifetime. and it was very frightening They were not big earthquakes, perhaps they could even be described as tremors but they were enough to make my bed shake up and down, a wardrobe fall over, and pictures fall off the walls in the bedroom where I was staying. It happened in my parents apartment because days earlier my father had suffered a heart attack and I went there to help, and when this shaking happened i feared he would have another attack. When all was quiet I could see that my mother and the nurse were trembling but thankfully my father was all right. The book seems interesting David and it's ncredibly important that geophysicists can predict earthquakes
in a precise way which iI realise needs more research and funds to help save lives.
Hugs and kisses
Sonjia.
Sounds interesting. Our planet can surprise us at times.
ReplyDeleteThank u x the interesting recommendation, dear Professor •´☆.¸¸.•´☆.¸¸.• •´☆ Have anice night! .¸¸.•´☆.¸¸.• •´☆.¸¸ Gros bisous.•´☆.¸¸.•
ReplyDeleteWe do have earthquake warnings here, David, but they do come only a very few seconds before the eathquake itself (if at all) - not always enough time to get to a "safe" place. We also had false alarms and that leaves you quite shaken as well (no pun intended). I experienced a few earthquakes in the past 25 years, the biggest one a 6.4, but as my husband always says, the biggest earthquake he ever experienced was in Germany, in Aachen. Not necessarily a location where you would expect it.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure if you had to read some passages twice, I would have to read them at least three or four times, not only because they're in English. I might have the same problem if it was written in German as well. Big hugs - Carola
Hi David - I'd love to read this ... it looks that it'd completely capture me ... no doubt I'd struggle to understand some of it - but I'd learn so much. I haven't experienced an earthquake ... except in Johannesburg when 'a mine' would revolt and we'd be gently rocked above. It'll have to wait ... but thanks for the fascinating introduction - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI think this book sounds fantastic. I never took any geology classes in college, but I did take one one summer to get myself recertified for teaching. I loved it. I wouldn't have expected to enjoy it so much. I think when we were really young we just didn't have as much exposure to so many things, not like kids today. It's always good to learn new things for sure. Thanks for sharing this.I'm adding it to my reading list. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteYou are a true master of reveiwing books, all books looks fantastic reading your text !
ReplyDeleteBest wishing David, Lasse
Dear David, all your books seem so interesting! I wonder how you can find so much time to read so many books haha. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThis does look like an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Kiitos kirja-arvostelusta David. Se taitaa olla minulle kuitenkin liian vaikea luettava, enkä pääse perille mielenkiintoisesta sisällöstä.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fascinating book. I've been in a few earthquakes, from very minor and short to stronger and more lengthy. A couple have been scary, but thankfully none caused any damage.
ReplyDeleteUn libro muy interesante. También he sentido varios terremotos. Besos.
ReplyDelete