After the Earth quakes

the long version

""Elastic rebound" is one of the most basic tenets of modern earthquake science and is the term that scientists use to describe the build-up and release of energy along faults. It is also the best metaphor for societal response m major earthquakes in recent historic times. After the Earth Quakes focuses on this theme, using a number of pivotal and intriguing historic earthquakes as illustrations. The book concludes with a consideration of projected future losses on an increasingly urbanized planet, including the near certainty that a future earthquake will someday claim more than a million lives. This grim prediction impels us to take steps to mitigate earthquake risk, the innately human capacity for rebound notwithstanding."--Jacket.