The Power of the Sea: Tsunamis, Storm Surges, Rogue Waves, and Our Quest to Predict Disasters (Macmillan Science) - Softcover

Parker, Bruce

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0230120741 ISBN 13: 9780230120747

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan, 2012

Synopsis

The Power of the Sea describes our struggle to understand the physics of the sea, so we can use that knowledge to predict when the sea will unleash its fury against us. In a wide-sweeping narrative spanning much of human history, Bruce Parker, former chief scientist of the National Ocean Service, interweaves thrilling and often moving stories of unpredicted natural disaster with an accessible account of scientific discovery. The result is a compelling scientific journey, from ancient man’s first crude tide predictions to today’s advanced early warning ability based on the Global Ocean Observing System. It is a journey still underway, as we search for ways to predict tsunamis and rogue waves and critical aspects of El Niño and climate change caused by global warming.

About this title

Review

'A fascinating exploration.' - Andrew Revkin, Dot Earth blog, The New York Times

'Examines the violent impact of the seas on human society, and our long struggle to understand them . . . any reader with an interest in the subject will appreciate Parker's expertise.' - Publishers Weekly

'Recommended.' - Choice

'Rarely does a book written by a practicing scientist grab you like this one. Intelligent, accurate, and accessible,The Power of the Sea reads like a Believe It or Not of aquatic destruction. The largest wave in history? What did the tides have to do with the Normandy Invasion? How many people died in the Indonesian tsunami of 2004? What does 'Kamikaze' have to do with the power of the sea? What really happened to Krakatoa? What should we have done about Katrina? For the answers to these and questions you never thought to ask, read Bruce Parker's wonderful book.' - Richard Ellis, author of The Empty Ocean and Tuna: A Love Story

'Parker mixes hair-raising descriptions of disasters with efforts to understand them...[and] provides a lucid, original contribution to popular-science writing.' - Kirkus Reviews

'Riveting readers with analyses of catastrophes such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Parker delivers science in dramatic and digestible form.' - Booklist

'From the ancient tides to ingenious ways of predicting tsunamis and weighing the impact of climate change today, Bruce Parker's The Power of the Sea is an engaging and essential history of science. It's also a terrific account of survival on our wild blue planet.' - David Helvarg, author of Saved by the Sea: A Love Story with Fish

'Bruce Parker is not only a brilliant scientist but a natural storyteller. The Power of the Seapresents the destructive nature of ocean waves in human terms. From Napoleon's near death encounter with a raging Red Sea tide, to the vital importance of predicting tide and swell before the D-Day landings, to the individual acts of heroism during the tragic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, to the epic storm surges that continue to flood Bangladesh and Myanmar today, Parker never loses sight of the uneasy alliance between man and sea. All who play or live near the sea should read this book. Be warned, you may never look at the ocean the same way again.' - John Kretschmer, author of At The Mercy of the Sea

'This richly researched, eloquent volume gives the reader a front-row seat where the action plays out. Dr. Parker's thorough knowledge of the subject is abundantly evident and his comfortable and informative style makes this a must-read for anyone interested in the environment. The power of the sea is palpable in Dr. Parker's treatment of a fascinating diversity of historically significant events.' - Richard Spinrad, Director of NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, and former Technical Director to the Oceanographer of the Navy

'A vivid portrayal of sea disasters and the important role that the ocean has played in so many historic events. An illuminating scientific look at how we have learned to predict such disasters and what still needs to be done to safe guard us from future global calamities.' - Curtis Ebbesmeyer, author of Flotsametrics and the Floating World

'Anyone who appreciates the fact that the sea remains something we cannot control will love this book from Bruce Parker. You will come away with a better understanding of why the sea will leave us in awe till the end of time.' - Jim Cantore, The Weather Channel

'The Power of the Sea is the best book I have ever read about tsunamis, storm surges, or rogue waves.It dramatically demonstrates the need to better understand the awesome power of the sea if we are to save lives and property.' - Jerry Schubel, President, Aquarium of the Pacific

'In a changing world driven by the sea, it is important for everyone to understand how it works. Bruce Parker has blended history and science into a book that clearly and often dramatically explains how and why the sea will affect their lives - now and in the future. This is a must-read for anyone who has ever been awed by the ocean.' - Daniel J. Basta, Director, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
 
'This well-written, moving account details our struggle to deal with the power of the sea.' - Dave Osmolski, The Ensign

Book Description

An epic tale of scientific discoveries and marine disasters - tsunamis, storm surges, rogue waves, extreme El Niños - that have killed millions.

About this edition

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0230120741
• ISBN 13: 9780230120747
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320