Providing the first worldwide survey of active earthquake faults, this book focuses on those described as 'seismic time bombs' – with the potential to destroy large cities in the developing world such as Port au Prince, Kabul, Tehran and Caracas. Leading international earthquake expert, Robert Yeats, explores both the regional and plate-tectonic context of active faults, providing the background for seismic hazard evaluation in planning large-scale projects such as nuclear power plants or hydroelectric dams. He also highlights work done in more advanced seismogenic countries like Japan, the United States, New Zealand and China, providing an important basis for upgrading building standards and other laws in developing nations. The book also explores the impact of major quakes on social development through history. It will form an accessible reference for analysts and consulting firms, and a convenient overview for academics and students of geoscience, geotechnical engineering and civil engineering, and land-use planning.

'An astonishing achievement … extraordinarily comprehensive and well illustrated with seismological and geodetic data. It will remain a reliable introduction to the context of advances in the field, and how to use them.'

James Jackson - University of Cambridge

'This ambitious compilation of all that is known of the surface faults of our planet will be a reference work for many years to come.'

Roger Bilham - University of Colorado, Boulder

'Clearly written and highly illustrated … this is essential reading for anyone tasked with protecting at-risk populations or infrastructure prone to earthquakes.'

Gerald Roberts - Birkbeck, University of London

'Robert Yeats provides comprehensive geographical coverage which remains accessible by providing context throughout … an essential reference not only for academics and students, but also practitioners in engineering geology, civil engineering and planning.'

Ken McCaffrey - Durham University

'This is the first time someone has attempted to summarize the totality of earthquake faults …'

Source: Newswise (newswise.com)

'… provides that starting point via a global discussion of active faults, giving a clear overview of their tectonic setting and earthquake history with useful figures and a good set of references … insightful discussion reflects the author's considerable experience worldwide … Highly recommended.'

S. Stein Source: Choice

'… a most remarkable and authoritative work.'

Source: Open University Geological Society Journal

'… this impressive book presents a massive amount of information in a clear, concise, and readable style. Its ongoing value will be enhanced by the approximately 1600 references to the primary literature. It is a landmark work that should have a long life as a major reference for anyone involved in earthquake studies.'

William R. Green Source: The Leading Edge

'Yeats brings forth this first-ever worldwide fundamental assessment of the essential, observable characteristics that can be used to indicate the relative threats of single regional seismogenic zones … take this book with you on your next trip to the next project!'

Allen W. Hatheway Source: Environmental and Engineering Geoscience

'The text descriptions are illustrated by easy-to-grasp maps of the areas under discussion. This is an essential reference work for anyone interested in earthquakes and their accompanying hazards.'

Source: Natural Hazards Observer