Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tsunamis Projects and Principles for Beginning Geologists

by Levy, Matthys; Salvadori, Mario

• ISBN13: 9781556528019
• ISBN10: 1556528019
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-02-01
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press

Summary

With fascinating experiments, models, and demonstrations, this scientific survey provides a vivid exploration of natural phenomena. Ideal for budding earth scientists, this in-depth resource demonstrates how to build a seismograph to record a simulated earthquake, compare pressure waves and shear waves -- the two types of ground shocks -- with a Slinky, and replicate a tsunami's destructive effect on a "coastline" built in a bathtub. The chapters answer questions such as Can animals "predict" earthquakes? How have various cultures explained the movement of the earth throughout history? and Why do some volcanoes ooze rivers of lava while others blow their tops? Additional topics include how to earthquake-proof homes, protect oneself during a tremor, and construct simple models to test seismographs.

Author Biography

Matthys Levy is a civil engineer and the inventor of the Tensar Dome, which is used to cover athletic venues around the world. He is the coauthor of Engineering the City and Why the Wind Blows. Mario Salvadori was a professor of architecture and the founder of the Salvadori Center, a nonprofit educational center to teach inner-city youth about math and science through hands-on study of structure and architecture. He is the author of The Art of Construction and Why Buildings Stand Up. They are the coauthors of Why Buildings Fall Down.

Table of Contents

The Secrets of the Earth

If You Had Been There

When the Ocean Rolls

Earthquake Messages

How Strong Was It?

From Myth to Science

Can Animals Predict Earthquakes

Should We Fight or Fool the Quakes?

The Smoking Mountains

Conclusions

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.