L. A. Cotton

Earthquakes

Introduction

Earthquakes. Explore the historical impact of devastating earthquakes. Learn about ancient records and traditions from China, Japan, and the Mediterranean, revealing their profound effect on human civilization.

Abstract

The terrifying effects of earthquakes have made a deep impression upon the human mind, for from the earliest times we have had handed down the traditions of primitive peoples, which clearly are based upon earthquake phenomena. When, with the advance of civilization, the art of writing was developed, more accurate accounts of earthquakes were preserved. The oldest records of this kind are those from China and Japan, where earthquakes are frequent and severe. Other centres of ancient civilizations subject to strong earthquake shocks are those of the Mediterranean region, such as Italy, Greece and Palestine. In the latter country one of the greatest earthquakes occurred in the reign of King Uzziah, and is recorded in the Bible. The earthquake made such a profound impression on the Jews that for many years afterwards historic events were stated to have occurred so many years after the earthquake.

Review

The submitted work, titled "Earthquakes," presents an abstract that primarily focuses on the historical and cultural impact of these phenomena on human civilization. It traces human perception from primitive traditions to early written records, specifically mentioning ancient civilizations in China, Japan, and the Mediterranean region, and cites biblical accounts as an example of earthquakes leaving a profound societal impression. The scope appears to be a brief anecdotal overview of ancient human awareness of earthquakes, rather than a comprehensive scientific or deeply analytical historical study. A major weakness is the complete absence of scientific content relevant to modern seismology. The abstract, which should encapsulate the paper's core, makes no mention of geological mechanisms, plate tectonics, seismic waves, earthquake measurement, or any contemporary understanding of these events. Furthermore, while it touches upon the human dimension, the narrative is descriptive rather than analytical, lacking any stated methodology, specific research questions, or new insights into historical interpretations. The title "Earthquakes" is misleading, as the content, as presented, only addresses a minuscule historical facet of the broader topic, specifically ancient human reactions and documentation, without deeper historical or cultural analysis. Given its current form and the information provided in the abstract, the paper is fundamentally unsuitable for publication in a scientific journal focused on Earth sciences or even a rigorous historical journal. It lacks the necessary academic depth, scientific rigor, and defined scope expected of a journal article. To be considered for publication, the author would need to undertake a substantial revision, either by reorienting it as a genuine scientific contribution with modern seismological concepts and data, or by reframing it as a much more specific historical or cultural study with extensive primary source analysis and a robust methodology, clearly defining its contribution to that field. As it stands, it offers neither new scientific understanding nor deep historical analysis.

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