The two major themes of this text are the connection between fault and earthquake mechanics, and the central role of the rate-state friction laws in earthquake mechanics. Chapters cover mechanics of faulting, mechanics of earthquakes, the seismic cycle, seismotectonics, and earthquake prediction and hazard analysis. The book is useful for graduate students and research scientists in the fields of seismology, physics, geology, geodesy, and rock mechanics. This second edition contains two new chapters which explain brittle fracture and rock friction from first principles. Scholz teaches earth science and applied mathematics at Columbia University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)