Final answer:
The central idea of 'The Worst Earthquakes of All Time' is to explore the devastating impact of major earthquakes, how they relate to plate tectonics, and their historical significance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central idea of 'The Worst Earthquakes of All Time' by Mary Englar is to illustrate the intensity, damage, and historical impact of major earthquakes around the world. The book discusses various destructive earthquakes, explains how earthquakes are related to plate tectonics, and emphasizes the devastation and loss of life caused by such natural disasters.
Through the examples of earthquakes from different periods, such as the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the 2004 Sumatra earthquake, and Japan's 2011 earthquake, the author conveys the massive energy earthquakes release and their profound effects on humanity and the environment. Additionally, historical contexts like the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake demonstrate the human tragedy and societal effects that can follow significant earthquakes.