Examines the biggest earthquake in recorded history in North America--the 1964 Alaskan earthquake that demolished the city of Valdez and obliterated the coastal village of Chenega--and the scientist sent to look for geological clues to explain the dynamics of earthquakes, who helped to confirm the then controversial theory of plate tectonics.

Altered state -- Under the mountain -- An accident of geography -- Clam broth and beer -- The floating world -- Spiking out -- Before the storm -- Faults -- Shaken -- Stunned -- The barnacle line -- Rebuilding -- Deep thinking -- Acceptance.