Susan Elizabeth Hough is a seismologist with the United States Geological Survey in Pasadena, California, and has published more than forty articles in journals such as Nature, Science, Natural History , and the Journal of Geophysical Research . She has also written occasional editorials on earthquakes for the Los Angeles Times .
This is a very ambitious book. . . . Hough does a good job, and the interested non-scientific reader will come away with a solid knowledge of the topic. . . . [T]hroughout the book [Hough] integrates state-of-the-art research with explanations of earth quake phenomena and attempts to explain many of the current controversies. --Sandy Steacy, Times Higher Education Supplement Fascinating and clearly written. --Thomas Jones, London Review of Books Earthshaking Science is without equal--literally, a book for everyone. . . . Hough's writing style is exceptionally engaging; she asks copious insightful questions to reveal the current state of knowledge and where research and discovery must lead. --Choice An excellent outline of how, why and where earthquakes happen. . . . It presents a real picture of a lively research field in all its gritty glory, written with a sharp eye for the absurdities of scientific life. . . . This is an intelligent look at a broad field of science that affects many lives. Anyone heading for an earthquake area should buy a copy. --Sue Bowler, New Scientist A reader with no background in earth science or seismology can easily absorb the material presented. . . . Hough's writing style is easy and engaging, and she makes the subject matter entertaining. --Mark Zoback, American Scientist Earthshaking Science takes on the difficult task of reviewing the state of earthquake science at a time when the field is evolving rapidly. Its author, Susan Hough, has done an admirable job of clearly and accurately illuminating the boundary between our knowledge and our ignorance. . . . [She] has written a book that is accessible to readers in other disciplines and to a non-technical audience, but provides enough thoughtful commentary and perspectives to hold the attention of specialists. --Gregory C. Beroza, Nature One of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2002