In Search of Ancient Tsunamis: A Researcher's Travels, Tools, and Techniques

Description

In Search of Ancient Tsunamis takes readers on a journey through the science of tsunamis and acts as a "how to" guide in the geology, geomorphology, anthropology, and archaeology of these devastating phenomena. The book draws on examples from around the world and includes numerous personal accounts of field and laboratory experiences. This journey through tsunami science is framed within the search for ancient tsunamis in the northern part of Chile, a desert environment that requires all the skillsets available to the tsunami researcher. This is a region where numerous attempts to find evidence have failed largely due to the hostile environment that refuses to play by the rules. The story is told through the very personal lens of the author with first-hand accounts of the trials and tribulations of fieldwork and local eccentricities, of serendipitous events, and a growing awareness and understanding of a wide variety of techniques that can be applied to the science. The journey is populated with side stories engaging the reader with deeper insights into the countries, study areas, joys and disappointments of carrying out scientific research across the globe. It is both a very personal story as well as an in-depth look at the science involved in an increasingly sophisticated and interdisciplinary search to better understand the true nature of tsunamis. It contains the wisdom of elders, "Eureka" moments of discovery, and a look at the very latest developments of understanding the effects of ancient tsunamis on prehistoric human populations. Cover In Search of Ancient Tsunamis Copyright Dedication Contents List of Illustrations Preface Acknowledgments Plate 1. Serendipity—​An Introduction 2. Strand 1: December 26, 2004—​Indian Ocean 3. Strand 2: Same Time, Different Places 4. Strand 3: New Light through Old Windows 5. Strand 4: Chatham Islands—​Rekohu/​Wharekauri—​How Big? 6. Strand 5: Just Part of the Problem 7. Strand 6: The Human Touch 8. Strand 7: Piled Higher and Deeper 9. Strand 8: A Country with Latitude 10. Strand 9: Life and Death on the Edge 11. Strand 10: The Future Bibliography Index