On Shaky Ground: America's Earthquake Alert

by John J. Nance

A “gripping” look at the massive disasters that could strike at any moment, from a New York Times–bestselling author (San Francisco Examiner-Chronicle). Far beneath the earth’s surface, great tectonic plates grind against one another with incredible pressure that must—inevitably—be released. Earthquakes manifest with little warning, upending buildings, shattering infrastructure, and unleashing devastating tsunamis. In this remarkable survey of the history of seismology and the extraordinary seismic events that have occurred in the United States, Mexico, China, and other locales, author John J. Nance traces the discoveries of the scientists who have dedicated their lives to understanding and predicting one of the deadliest threats known to mankind.   From the Pacific Northwest to the Midwest and the East Coast, most of the United States—not just California—is in danger of a massive quake, and few citizens are adequately prepared. Through riveting firsthand interviews with earthquake survivors, and with the same command of technical detail and gripping style that he brings to his New York Times–bestselling thrillers, Nance demonstrates the need for readiness—because the next big quake could happen tomorrow.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Ebooks, History

528 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

John J. Nance is an American pilot, aviation safety expert, and author. He served in the USAF during the Vietnam War and also as a Lt. Colonel in Operation Desert Storm.

Reviews

[LindaW]

4⭐️s from DH. Very informative book about the potential for earthquakes anywhere in the US.

[Rick Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

John Nance did a tremendous job researching the history of earthquakes in the World, describing the aftermath of serious quakes, and detailing how far seismologists have come in being able to predict earthquakes. This book was written in 1988 and now it is 2018. Hopefully our government leaders have provided funding for research since this was written. Nance sounded the alarm - did they listen? I hope so.

[Monica Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This really tells an amazing story of how the scientific community learned more about earthquakes...and may soon be able to predict them. Then what? How would you get all those people out of Los Angeles? San Francisco? Nashville? St. Louis?
Trouble is indeed brewing. We all need to be aware of the dangers and the FACT that it will happen...again.

[Michele Crowther · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written book, which should scare the Hell out of you. I’m going to purchase earthquake insurance and if you live in an area with seismic activity, you should too! It’s unfortunate that many of the state’s governments don’t seem to take this seriously. Even if they don’t, you can and should.

[Pat Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding look at the potential threat to America. Well documented and researched. Hopefully the lessons learned from the past won't be forgotten. I would love to see a new edition of this book with current scientific findings included.

[William C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nance clearly lays out need for earthquake protection.

This book clearly describes the urgent need to protect vulnerable areas from earthquakes given the tools we have available. Given my role as an urban planner, to ignore this threat is politically and economically unacceptable.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit long-winded, but certainly interesting. The descriptions of earthquakes in the America's are vivid.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you live in earthquake country, you should read this.

[Don · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not at all captivating rather a bore. I couldn’t get into it so I trashed it.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A history of seismology

Well worth reading. I gave it 5 stars because the subject matter is so important. If you enjoy history, you'll probably love this book. It tells the story of many earthquakes in the last 120 years, most of them in the United States. If you are a fan of disaster fiction, be warned that this book does not have the fast pace of a novel. But then again, it is true! The real-life scientists involved in breakthrough studies are used to propel the narrative, ending with a list of proactive steps community or governmental agencies can take to minimize death and damage from seismic events.

Did you know that 39 of the 50 states are considered high-risk for earthquakes? I live in one of them. I wonder if you do, too.

[Sealove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally, books on earthquakes don't sound that exciting. But somehow, this author Manages to weave the story of the people's lives alongside of the technology and science that goes in to such ground shaking phenomena.

I didn't expect to like this book, but I found myself coming back to it over and over again until it was finished.

Afterword, I felt like it was time well spent And I learned a lot.

[Stephanie Leong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book on earthquakes! Every other chapter covers a type of geological earth movement with a chapter that relates an actual earthquake that shows how these quakes affect the area. A must read, especially for those that live in earthquake country.

[Wayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this to complete by John Nance collection.