Active tectonics : earthquakes, uplift, and landscape /

As defined by Keller and Pinter, active tectonics is the Earth's dynamic process associated with near surface deformation that impacts human society. Also known as tectonic geomorphology, it has become a powerful tool in many environmental applications such as seismic-hazard mapping. It is the earthquake, a process that has produced catastrophic impacts in human history, that is the primary focus of this book. Covering the basic geophysical and structural principles necessary to understand the earthquake process, the authors present geomorphic and geodetic techniques that measure current deformation as well as methods to decipher the earthquake record in an active tectonic zone. The strength of the book lies in its examples and short case histories concerning the western margin of North America, with its basins and ranges. The only shortcoming may be the absence of a discussion of secondary effects of earthquakes, notably landslides or mudslides. Well written and illustrated with numerous examples; a good introduction to the growing field of environmental appraisal of tectonic hazards. Undergraduate; faculty; professional. D. J. Campagna; College of William and Mary