Maavärin. Laastavaim loodusnähtus maailmas. Roger Musson

Scientists warn that a catastrophic earthquake could soon claim a million lives—and it might strike where we least expect it. For centuries, people in certain parts of the world have known they face the threat of deadly earthquakes, and in many regions, communities remain constantly on guard against such dangerous events. Yet, when a powerful magnitude 7 earthquake struck Haiti in 2010, almost no one saw it coming. More than 300,000 people perished as buildings—unprepared to withstand such intense ground shaking—collapsed, burying the inhabitants in the rubble. Renowned British seismologist Roger Musson takes us on a fascinating journey to uncover the geological forces that trigger earthquakes and tsunamis. The book explores how earthquakes have been observed and interpreted throughout history, and examines how engineering advancements can help protect our cities. It also asks whether there is any way to defend against a potential earthquake that could claim a million lives.