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 earthquake 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
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