The Atomic Elephant: June 2015

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Pop quiz: San Simeon or Irish Hills?

Some interesting studies today.

Above are two hypocenter cross sections (within the circles) crossing the upthrust zones of the area of the San Simeon M6 earthquake of 2003 (close to NS section) and the other crossing the Irish Hills (SW-NE section) at the site of the Diablo Canyon plant, the latter with no recent M6 earthquakes. But maybe one on the way?

The San Simeon cross section is for the period 1988 through 2002, before the 2003 earthquake occurred. If you can identify which of the above is San Simeon do you see portents of a coming earthquake? All earthquakes in the Hardebeck catalog from 1988

Review by Paul Feyerabend, late 20th century philosopher of science and author of "Against method".

...a detailed, well presented, superbly argued and absolutely fascinating account of one episode in the continuing interaction between science, technology, the law and the public interest. It once and for all puts to rest the idea that science uses a well defined and unambiguous method and speaks with a single voice. It makes it clear that experts participating in and testifying before a public forum are often outside their domain of expertise and therefore speak as laypersons, not as experts.....it shows how even very abstract considerations are influenced by the character and the temperament of those producing them. Required reading for historians of science and technology, philosophers of science, regulatory commissions....