Furnace of Creation, Cradle of Destruction: A Journey to the Birthplace of Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis

Furnace of Creation, Cradle of Destruction: A Journey to the Birthplace of Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis

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Manufacturer: AMACOM
Author: Roy Chester
Binding: Hardcover
Publication Date: 2008-07-16
Publisher: AMACOM
Label: AMACOM
Number Of Pages: 256
Features:

Editorial Review:
Over the past few years, devastating tsunamis off the coast of the Indian Ocean have killed hundreds of thousands of people. Even more alarmingly, scientists predict that these tsunamis, as well as a series of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, may eventually threaten Hawaii, California, and Oregon. The cause of this trinity of natural disasters is plate tectonics. Perhaps the greatest advance made in the field of earth science, the plate-tectonics theory argues that the surface of the Earth is broken into large plates, which change in size and position over time. The edges of these plates rub against each other, causing earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis that continue to inflict such intense destruction to the surface our planet. In Furnace of Creation, Cradle of Destruction, renowned scientist Roy Chester reveals the fascinating history of this discovery and tells the enigmatic story of one of the great mysteries of our time: how the surface of our planet was created and how it has evolved. From the early discoveries of Sir Francis Bacon to the beginnings of geology and the controversy surrounding the theory of continental drift, this impeccably researched book reveals the evolution of a vital scientific theory. Lucid and compelling, this book offers a long-awaited explanation of the underlying forces that shape our world.
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Customer Reviews
Average Customer Rating:

An awesome book! Relevant, Readable.

2008-09-03
The author clearly explains the history of earth science as it relates to the realization of plate tectonics. This is fascinating and eye-opening for a layperson like me! I found myself up late several nights reading this book.

The author also makes the material relevant by using the natural disasters across time to illustrate many points. There are over a dozen "Panels" that explain some of the most incredible natural disasters such as the New Madrid earthquake of 1811-12, the Pakistan earthquake of 2005, and of course the 2004 Tsunami in Indonesia. There are also many charts and diagrams explaining plate tectonics, ocean floor spreading, fault lines, "hot zones", etc. Add to that the many charts (such as the most devastating earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis of recorded history) - these all make the book an easy read.

If you were horrified yet fascinated with the 2004 Tsunami and the science surrounding our understanding of the events, then this book will definitely keep your attention.

The only minor criticism I have is that the author mentions the "shackles of religion" holding back modern science and seems to think that modern science has made religion and/or faith redundant. I would strongly disagree with this. But, that is a VERY minor criticism.

Highly recommended.

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