The Mechanics of Earthquakes and Faulting presents an interdisciplinary view of earthquakes and faulting in which the main observations from seismology, geology, and geodesy are reviewed and interpreted in terms of rock mechanics principles. The book introduces the mechanics of brittle fracture and rock friction, and presents observations of natural phenomena. It goes on to investigate the nature of the tectonic loading system, explore the role of earthquakes in a wide variety of tectonic settings, and review research in the important topics of earthquake prediction and hazards research. The author's aim is to develop an overall understanding and appreciation of the mechanics of faulting processes rather than on rehearsing the methods used to study the subject. Mathematical methods are kept simple and descriptive aspects of the subject are emphasized. Each topic is illustrated with the key observational data taken from many diverse tectonic settings. A comprehensive bibliography of over 1,200 items is included for those interested in pursuing topics to a greater depth. The Mechanics of Earthquakes and Faulting is suitable as a textbook for beginning graduate students in seismology, earthquake engineering, structural geology and rock mechanics courses. It should also prove to be a valuable reference work for researchers in these areas. (view table of contents)

Reprint from Pure and Applied Geophysics (PAGEOPH), Volume 131 (1989), No. 1