Perils of a Restless Planet: Scientific Perspectives on Natural Disasters

by Ernest Zebrowski Jr

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.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

324 pages, Paperback

First published June 13, 1997

Reviews

[Kreese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully written book - very easy to understand, for the most part. (Chapter 3 was a bit tough to get through and very, very technical.) The main reason that this received 4 stars instead of 5 is simply because a lot of the information presented is outdated. Still, a very good book that keeps the reader interested while presenting a wealth of knowledge.

[Richard Kravitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find this book pretty unique in some aspects, such as the concept that disaster science is all about saving lives. I try to remind my students of that, the human element in science.

I re-read often, especially before I teach Earthquakes, as there are some good sections on stress and strain.

A lot of it is the human aspect and historical in nature.

Pretty good writer.