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ISBN: 9781773102061

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North America's Next Big Quake

Mention the word earthquake and most people think of California. But while the Golden State shakes on a regular basis, Washington State, Oregon, and British Columbia are located in a zone that can produce the world’s biggest earthquakes and tsunamis. In the eastern part of the continent, small cities and large, from Ottawa to Montréal to New York City, sit in active earthquake zones. In fact, more than 100-million North Americans live in active seismic zones, many of whom do not realize the risk to their community.

For more than a decade, Gregor Craigie interviewed scientists, engineers, and emergency planners about earthquakes, disaster response, and resilience. He has also collected vivid first-hand accounts from people who have survived deadly earthquakes. His fascinating and deeply researched book dives headfirst into explaining the science behind The Big One — and asks what we can do now to prepare ourselves for events geologists say aren’t a matter of if, but when.

Contributors

Gregor Craigie

Gregor Craigie has been a news producer, reporter, and on-air host. He is presently the host of CBC’s On the Island in Victoria, BC. He is a former reporter for CBS Radio and a former BBC journalist, who read the news to millions of American listeners of The World on Public Radio International.
Chapter Title Contents Contributors Pages Year Price

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An examination of the destruction and tragedy of the Christchurch, New Zealand earthquake, as well as its implications for metropolitan cities in North America. 14 $1.40

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This chapter examines officials’ attempts to downplay or dismiss the risk of earthquakes since the discovery of the North American Pacific West Coast. Pieces together the events of the … 20 $2.00

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Details the evolution of seismographic and earthquake preparedness testing, as well as the work that has been done in various municipalities. 16 $1.60

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Looks at the inextricable connection between earthquakes and tsunamis. Studies the devestation of historical tsunamis and the challenge to low-lying communities. 19 $1.90

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Evaluating the destructive force of volcanoes, their proclivity for carnage, and their apparent unpredictability. Subsequently analyzes the science and warning signs that help predict eruptions … 13 $1.30

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California’s devastating history of earthquakes is examined. The state’s exceptional response to these tragedies is also outlined. 18 $1.80

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This chapter explores Salt Lake City, which, while not an obvious location, presents with a substantial earthquake risk and needs to prepare its infrastructure for such an event. 12 $1.20

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Earthquake readiness in the Mississippi River Valley and the New Madrid Seismic Zone is examined, as well as how this risk is persistently overshadowed by more pressing natural disaster concerns. 11 $1.10

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Exploring the extent to which earthquakes can be predicted using the Haicheng and Tangshan earthquakes in China to expouse the pitfalls of prediction. 14 $1.40

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New York’s seismic threat, the Coney Island earthquake, and the substantial risk posed by nuclear power stations. 17 $1.70

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The earthquake threat in Charleston, North Carolina, is discussed. The issue of disaster fatigue is explained as earthquake preparedness remains on the back burner for the city of Charleston. 11 $1.10

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This chapter details Ottawa’s experience with earthquakes. The history of earthquakes in Ontario and Quebec, the concerns about architecture, and soil integrity are all discussed. 13 $1.30

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A look at earthquakes and tsunamis on North America’s Atlantic coast. Details the earthquake, tsunami, and destruction that occurred in 1929. Assesses the risk and preparedness of Atlantic … 12 $1.20

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This chapter summarizes the measures that need to be taken to protect communities from earthquakes and tsunamis. Discusses what has actually been accomplished and how much further they ought to go. 21 $2.10

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The author discusses his personal journey of getting his family and their home prepared for the next massive earthquake. 8 $0.80