Superquake!

Natural Science, Geography

During the next 30 to 50 years, the Los Angeles area has a 50 percent chance of being hit by a major earthquake, one above eight on the Richter Scale, predicts Ritchie (The Ring of Fire). Newer buildings will stand while older ones crumble, he maintains, although shards of glass will fly from all structures, severely wounding many. The greatest dangers, however, will be caused by the disruption of public utilities, especially gas and electricity, and, worse, by toxic chemicals, both in storage and in transit; there might even be leakage of radioactive materials. This potpourri of information about temblors and the tsunamis that often follow earthquakes, though randomly presented, is nonetheless riveting, as it offers insights into past major quakes in North America, why and how they occur, and what sort of areas are most vulnerable.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Based on his review of the records and research, science writer Ritchie predicts a "superquake" in Southern California within the next 50 years. He discusses the history, science and mechanics, and likely consequences in the area and elsewhere in the United States. The superquake will occur along the Newport-Inglewood Fault Zone and will leave 42,000 dead, a million injured, and $250 billion in damageonly the direct results. Ritchie's forecast is conjecture, but it is based on reasoned analysis. It is clear that L.A. is not prepared for the great quake to come. Recommended for public, school, and academic libraries. Walter C. Allen, GSLIS (Emeritus), Univ. of Illinois, Urbana
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.