Description
Book SynopsisA witty, irreverent guide to the birth, development, and state-of-the-art of one of the most important theories in Earth Science. The book explains how modern plate tectonics accounts for phenomena such as great earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and how it controls conditions at the Earth's surface, including global geography and climate.
Trade ReviewThis book is full of delightful surprises...I highly recommend this book as one for you if you want to be properly informed and royally entertained. * Pete Loader, Teaching Earth Science *
I think that it is useful and important for current and future generations of earth scientists to have an understanding of the roots of their science; this book may be one pathway that our students could reach that goal. * Kevin P. Furlong, professor in the department of geosciences at the Pennsylvania State University, American Journal of Physics *
Far from being a dense, jargon-laden history book, Livermore brings an accessible writing style and brilliant humour to the story, which certainly had me chuckling. If you know anyone (including yourself!) who is keen to find out more about our planet, give them this book. * Jonathan Scafidi, The Geological Society *
...a super read; I thoroughly enjoyed it! If you have the slightest interest in the history of plate tectonics, do read this bookyou will not be disappointed! * Michael Brown, International Geology Review *
The Tectonic Plates are Moving! is a rock-solid read... the pacing of the book is great, the irreverent jokes and anecdotes genuinely amusing, the overview of different schools of thought balanced, and the explanations lucid. * The Inquisitive Biologist *
This book explains modern plate tectonics in a non-technical manner, showing not only how it accounts for phenomena such as earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions, but also how it controls conditions at the Earths surface, including global geography and climate. * Ian Angus, Green Left Weekly *
This is a great read for anyone interested in this fascinating subject. * Chris Darmon, Down to Earth *
[A] packed account, richly contextualized. * Barbara Kiser, Nature *
Roy Livermores book provides a comprehensive and authoritative account of the development of plate tectonics theory, from the earliest days of sea-floor spreading to current ideas on mantle plumes and the tectonics of Mars. It clearly describes the critical interactions of science, technology, human personalities and historical accidents. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book, written from the point of view of a knowledgeable insider. * Roger C. Searle, Durham University, UK *
Table of ContentsPart I: First Generation 1: Probably the best theory on Earth 2: The Paving Stone Theory of World Tectonics 3: Poles Apart 4: Plate Tectonics by Jerks 5: Plate Tectonics by Creeps Part II: Second Generation 6: Scum of the Earth 7: Continents and Supercontinents 8: All at Sea 9: Chilling Out 10: Ups and Downs 11: The Final Frontier
