The earth was born - and will die - as a result of cosmic events. Humanity played no part in the birth of this planet and will be long gone before its demise. But we are subject to the vagaries of geophysical processes which threaten our very existence. 65 million years ago a meteorite impact killed the dinosaurs and two thirds of the planet's species were wiped out as a tsunami raced around the globe at 500 miles an hour. In March 2880 a kilometre wide asteroid known as 1950 AD is predicted to collide with the Earth, and that would have untold consequences for life on this planet. But in the meantime earthquakes and other seismic incidents wreak havoc. Hurricanes, currently well above their normal activity and starting earlier and with more destructive force than ever before threaten global economics. This book is a user's guide to our planet. How did we begin and how shall we end? How, or can we, predict major catastrophes? What have their frequencies been in the past and what is their likelihood of recurrence and magnitude in the future? We cannot prevent them happening but what can we do to minimise loss of life and economic damage?
Are the activities of man having a detrimental effect on our planet or is global warming, by chance, preventing the earth slipping into another ice age? David Baker is uniquely qualified to answer these fundamental questions and with the aid of the latest research and a wealth of comparative data his powerful text provides us with an understanding of those processes which govern our life on earth.
- ISBN10 0297843516
- ISBN13 9780297843511
- Publish Date 12 October 2006
- Publish Status Cancelled
- Out of Print 14 April 2006
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Orion Publishing Co
- Imprint Weidenfeld Nicolson Illustrated
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 240
- Language English