The Big One: The Cascadia Earthquakes and the Science of Saving Lives (Scientists in the Field)

by Elizabeth Rusch (Author)

No one ever thought the Pacific Northwest was due for an earthquake, let alone a catastrophic one. But geologists are transforming our understanding of the grave dangers the population in the region of Cascadia face--will there be a big one? And what can be done to save lives? America's Pacific Northwest has relatively few earthquakes--only a handful each year that cause even moderately noticeable shaking. But a couple decades ago, scientists discovered a geological feature running along the coast that in other parts of the world regularly triggers massive earthquakes of 8.0 magnitude and higher. Were there once massive earthquakes in this part of the world? Geologists think there were. Now a small group of scientists are studying things that you might not think have anything to do with earthquakes--marsh soil, ocean sediments, landslide debris, and ghost forests--and they have reason to believe that the Pacific Northwest is likely not as idyllic as it was once assumed. The population is likely in grave danger of a massive earthquake at some point. What can be done? The big one can't be stopped, but scientists are working tirelessly to learn as much as they can to prepare.
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School Library Journal

Starred Review

Gr 5-8--Up until the 1960s, geologists had little idea what caused earthquakes. Following a discovery initially made by geologist and cartographer Marie Tharp during World War II, scientists revisited the idea of continental drift, an early 20th-century theory developed by German meteorologist Alfred Wegener. In the decades since the return to Wegener's theory, the science of plate tectonics has helped clarify why earthquakes happen and how they might be accurately predicted. Several chapters detail scientific fieldwork, including climbing mountains to set and maintain instruments and visiting remote ponds to gather core samples of the muck beneath. The work described is assisted by graduate students or even undergraduates, providing encouragement to budding scientists. The book is elaborately illustrated, often with full-page color photos of scientists and students at work, along with relevant and clearly presented maps and diagrams. Closing chapters outline widespread efforts to prepare for a devastating earthquake in the northwest U.S. In addition to the recommended further reading, Rusch offers a lengthy source list, including personal interviews as well as articles, websites, and books. VERDICT A first-rate resource. Highly recommended for elementary and middle schools, particularly those with a STEM focus.--Bob Hassett, Luther Jackson M.S., Falls Church, VA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

★ "A first-rate resource." -School Library Journal, STARRED review

"[T]he information flow across chapters is exceptionally smooth and well organized. As customary for the Scientists in the Field series, the snapshot vibe of the generous photo illustration lends immediacy to the highlighted research."-The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780544889040
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Clarion Books
Publication date
August 18, 2020
Series
Scientists in the Field (Paperback)
BISAC categories
JNF051100 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Environmental Science & Ecosystems
JNF051160 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Disasters
JNF005000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Architecture
JNF037010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Earth Sciences - Earthquakes & Volcanoes
Library of Congress categories
Northwest, Pacific
Earthquakes
Northwest coast of North America
Plate tectonics
Cascadia Subduction Zone
Earthquake prediction
Earthquake zones
Subduction zones

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