GENERAL DESCRIPTION Paleoseismology (the study of ancient earthquakes) has become an important component of seismic risk analysis, which is mandated for nuclear power plants, dams, waste repositories, and other critical structures. This book is the first in the English language to be devoted solely to paleoseismology. It summarizes the development of the field from the 1960s to the present, encompassing material that is currently widely dispersed in journal articles. The 10 chapters included in this text span the entire range of techniques currently used in paleoseismic reconstruction, and are contributed by active practitioners at the forefront of paleoseismic research. James McCalpin and his co-authors have made a major contribution to the literature of paleoseismology with this book. It is clearly the reference of choice to date in this exciting field...This book contains the most comprehensive set of citations I have seen in the paleoseismology literature...This is a wonderful book that will be used as a basic source for a generation. --ENVIRONMENTAL & ENGINEERING GEOSCIENCE Paleoseismology is a turning point in this young but rapidly maturing disipline. The volume consists of nine chapters, with contributions from the editor in six of them. The first chapter, 'Introduction to Paleoseismology,' is a careful and detailed analysis of issues related to paleoseismology. Other chapters cover field techniques, paleoseismology in several types of environments, including extensional, compressional, and strike-slip tectonic environments, using landslides for paleoseismic analysis, and applying paleoseismic data to seismic hazard assessment and neotectonic research...The list of references reported at the end of the volume gives the book the feel of a well-organized book and not a simple collection of papers...A reference tool not only for new students but also for experienced specialists for years to come. --Leonello Serva, National Agency for the Protection of the Environment, Rome, Italy, in EOS Paleoseismology definitely is a useful resource for researchers working on paleoseismological problems. Citations are relevant and abundant, without being distracting, and the bibliography is comprehensive. The book will also be useful to non-paleoseismologists working on faults and fault-related processes...Paleoseismology is young [and the book] depicts this reality well: at the close of many sections and chapters the authors note areas that need more research. Because of the many summaries of possible directions for future research, even experts who read the book will find hidden treasures that previously may have been missed or forgotten. For those who eat, drink, and sleep earthquake geology, this book is valuable and pleasurable. It will help crystallize new research ideas and inspire new approaches to long-forgotten paleoseismic sites...In summary, Paleoseismology is a great resource if you want to find out what paleoseismology is all about, brush up on long-forgotten concepts, explore new or different techniques, or get a feel for where the science is headed. It should be on every paleoseismologist's bookshelf. --KEITH I. KELSON, Lettis & Associates, Inc. KEY FEATURES First book solely devoted to paleoseismology Summarizes the development of the field from the 1960's to the present Includes a comprehensive review of the techniques currently used in paleoseismology Emphasizes practical methods of data collection and field studies Covers interpretation of field data based on current theory concerning fault segmentation and recurrence cycles Contains more than 170 line drawings and 50 photographs of paleoseismic phenomena CONTENTS: J.P. McCalpin and A.R. Nelson, Introduction to Paleoseismology. The Scope of Paleoseismology. Identifying Prehistoric Earthquakes from Primary and Secondary Evidence. Prehistoric Earthquake Recurrence and Dating. Estimating the Magnitude of Prehistoric Earthquakes. The Early Development of Paleoseismology. J.P. McCalpin, Field Techniques in Paleoseismology: Introduction. Mapping Paleoseismic Landforms. Mapping Paleoseismic Stratigraphy. Specialized Subfields of Paleoseismology. J.P. McCalpin, Paleoseismology of Extensional Tectonic Environments: Introduction. Geomorphic Evidence of Paleoearthquakes. Stratigraphic Evidence of Paleoearthquakes. Dating Paleoearthquakes. W.R. Hackett, S.M. Jackson, and R.P. Smith, Paleoseismology of Volcanic Environments: Introduction. Volcano-Extensional Structures. Criteria for Field Recognition of Volcano-Extensional Features. Paleoseismological Implications and Methods. Conclusions. G.A. Carver and J.P. McCalpin, Paleoseismology of Compressional Tectonic Environments: Introduction. Geomorphic Evidence of Thrust Paleoearthquakes. Stratigraphic Evidence of Thrust Paleoearthquakes. Paleoseismic Evidence of Secondary Faulting. Paleoseismic Evidence of Coseismic Folding. Paleoseismology of Subduction Zones. Late Quaternary Sea Level. The Coseismic Event Horizon. Paleoseismic Evidence of Coseismic Uplift. Paleoseismic Evidence of Coseismic Subsidence. R.J. Weldon II, J.P. McCalpin, and T.K. Rockwell, Paleoseismology in Strike-Slip Tectonic Environments: Introduction. Geomorphic Evidence of Paleoearthquakes. Stratigraphic Evidence of Paleoearthquakes. Dating Paleoearthquakes. S.F. Obermeier, Using Liquefaction-Induced Features for Paleoseismic Analysis: Introduction. Overview of the Formation of Liquefaction-Induced Features. Criteria for an Earthquake-Induced Liquefaction Origin. Historic and Prehistoric Liquefaction--Selected Studies. Features Generally of Nonseismic or Unknown Origin. Estimation of Strength of Paleoearthquakes. R.W. Jibson, Using Landslides for Paleoseismic Analysis: Introduction. Indentifying Landslides. Determining Landslide Ages. Interpreting an Earthquake Origin for Landslides. Analysis of the Seismic Origin of a Landslide. Interpreting Results of Paleoseismic Landslide Studies. Some Final Comments. J.P. McCalpin, Application of Paleoseismic Data to Seismic Hazard Assessment and Neotectonic Research: Introduction. Estimating Paleoearthquake Magnitude. Paleoearthquake Slip Rates and Recurrence. Fault Segmentation. Models of Fault Behavior. Models of Earthquake Recurrence. Current Issues and Future Prospects in Paleoseismology. References. Appendices. Subject Index.