Living on Shaky Ground

Book excerpt: The extraordinary story of New Zealand's earthquakes, the science and forces that shape them, and the danger of earthquakes yet to hit. This is the story of New Zealand's turbulent tectonics, how earthquakes are measured and described, and how scientists are predicting future shakes across New Zealand. It features some of New Zealand's lesser-known quakes, such as the most powerful quake ever recorded in New Zealand, quakes that have had deadly consequences, and the most recent tremors effecting Wellington and Marlborough. On Shaking Ground has an accessible text with in-depth science. It explains why New Zealand is effected by earthquakes and how damage is caused, with accompanying diagrams and data from GNS Science. It also includes the long history of New Zealand's earthquakes with gripping photographs and personal accounts. The must-have guide for anyone affected by earthquakes in New Zealand, those curious to know what's next in-store, or anyone studying the evolving science behind them.