After the Earth quakes

""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.