Living on an Active Earth

Living on an Active Earth

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2003-09-22

Total Pages: 431

ISBN-13: 0309065623

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The destructive force of earthquakes has stimulated human inquiry since ancient times, yet the scientific study of earthquakes is a surprisingly recent endeavor. Instrumental recordings of earthquakes were not made until the second half of the 19th century, and the primary mechanism for generating seismic waves was not identified until the beginning of the 20th century. From this recent start, a range of laboratory, field, and theoretical investigations have developed into a vigorous new discipline: the science of earthquakes. As a basic science, it provides a comprehensive understanding of earthquake behavior and related phenomena in the Earth and other terrestrial planets. As an applied science, it provides a knowledge base of great practical value for a global society whose infrastructure is built on the Earth's active crust. This book describes the growth and origins of earthquake science and identifies research and data collection efforts that will strengthen the scientific and social contributions of this exciting new discipline.


Extreme Environmental Events

Extreme Environmental Events

Author: Robert A. Meyers

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2010-11-03

Total Pages: 1273

ISBN-13: 1441976949

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Extreme Environmental Events is an authoritative single source for understanding and applying the basic tenets of complexity and systems theory, as well as the tools and measures for analyzing complex systems, to the prediction, monitoring, and evaluation of major natural phenomena affecting life on earth. These phenomena are often highly destructive, and include earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, climate change,, and weather. Early warning, damage, and the immediate response of human populations to these phenomena are also covered from the point of view of complexity and nonlinear systems. In 61 authoritative, state-of-the art articles, world experts in each field apply such tools and concepts as fractals, cellular automata, solitons game theory, network theory, and statistical physics to an understanding of these complex geophysical phenomena.


Deep Earthquakes

Deep Earthquakes

Author: Cliff Frohlich

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2006-05-04

Total Pages: 558

ISBN-13: 0521828694

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A comprehensive, topical, historical, and geographical summary of deep earthquakes and related phenomena.


Seismic Strong Motion Synthetics

Seismic Strong Motion Synthetics

Author: Bruce Bolt

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2012-12-02

Total Pages: 337

ISBN-13: 0323155472

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Seismic Strong Motion Synthetics describes the methods of modeling the production of strong seismic ground motions by realistic seismic sources. Organized into six chapters, this book highlights the different ways of numerical treatment and the available computationally rapid and conceptually simple algorithms. The introductory chapter describes the intense bursts of radiation emitted during sudden changes in the rupture-front velocity occurring when the zone of slip reaches regions of differing stress drop. This topic is followed by an overview of the observations of seismic waves close to the fault and a discussion on the application of kinematic dislocation models to the synthesis of strong ground motion, such as the representation theorem and methods of theoretical and semi-empirical synthesis. A chapter deals with dynamic shear cracks with an emphasis on numerical modeling of complete three-dimensional, spontaneous rupture processes not only in an infinite, homogeneous medium but also in a homogeneous half-space or horizontally layered medium. This book also describes a tool capable of synthesizing strong motion records from a basic understanding of fault mechanics and seismic-wave propagation in the earth. The text further examines the calculation of ground motions at locations near to large earthquakes. The concluding chapter explores the methods of computing the motions that result from elastic waves propagating through complex structures. This book is an advanced text on numerical modeling for use in graduate and upper-division courses in physics, geophysics, and earthquake engineering.


Earthquake Research and Analysis

Earthquake Research and Analysis

Author: Sebastiano D'Amico

Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand

Published: 2012-01-27

Total Pages: 396

ISBN-13: 9533078405

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The study of earthquakes combines science, technology and expertise in infrastructure and engineering in an effort to minimize human and material losses when their occurrence is inevitable. This book is devoted to various aspects of earthquake research and analysis, from theoretical advances to practical applications. Different sections are dedicated to ground motion studies and seismic site characterization, with regard to mitigation of the risk from earthquake and ensuring the safety of the buildings under earthquake loading. The ultimate goal of the book is to encourage discussions and future research to improve hazard assessments, dissemination of earthquake engineering data and, ultimately, the seismic provisions of building codes.


Principles of Earthquake Source Mechanics

Principles of Earthquake Source Mechanics

Author: B. V. Kostrov

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1988

Total Pages: 308

ISBN-13: 9780521303453

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Kostrov and Das present a general theoretical model summarizing our current knowledge of fracture mechanics as applied to earthquakes and earthquake source processes. Part I explains continuum and fracture mechanics, providing the reader with some background and context. Part II continues with a discussion of the inverse problem of earthquake source theory and a description of the seismic moment tensor. Part III presents specific earthquake source models. Although data processing and acquisition techniques are discussed only in simplified form for illustrative purposes, the material in this book will aid in better orienting and developing these techniques. The aim of this book is to explore the phenomena underlying earthquake fracture and present a general theoretical model for earthquake source processes.