Synopses & Reviews
In 2011, there were fourteen natural calamities that each destroyed over a billion dollars' worth of property in the United States alone. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy ravaged the East Coast and major earthquakes struck in Italy, the Philippines, Iran, and Afghanistan. In the first half of 2013, the awful drumbeat continued--a monster supertornado struck Moore, Oklahoma; a powerful earthquake shook Sichuan, China; a cyclone ravaged Queensland, Australia; massive floods inundated Jakarta, Indonesia; and the largest wildfire ever engulfed a large part of Colorado.
Review
"A highly accessible look at disasters." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Sharp, timely, slightly terrifying science writing." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Fast-moving, interesting... Imparts a range of knowledge of the risks of natural hazards in a relatively painless way that educates but also entertains." Donald Turcotte
Review
"Anyone interested in the processes that underlie catastrophic events within Earth will welcome this book, part riveting and all informative." Science
Synopsis
"If you are an amateur weather geek, disaster wonk, or budding student of earth sciences, you will want to read this book."--
About the Author
Susan W. Kieffer is a professor emerita of geology at the University of Illinois and a recipient of the MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant. She is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences. Kieffer hosts a popular blog called Geology in Motion. She lives on Whidbey Island, Washington.