Many of the 10 chapters in this volume deal with conventional paleoseismology by trenching, covering the entire spectrum of tectonic environments (strike-slip, normal, and thrust faults). Special Paper 479 also contains two overview papers. The first one, which is the book's introduction, explores and explains how the seismic history of a given active fault can be discovered by geologic means (using direct or indirect indicators) for a particular tectonic setting. The second one describes and discusses how to approach lakes and their sedimentary record for paleoseismic purposes. Additionally, one chapter addresses paleoseismology of slide-dammed lakes. Last but not least, the final chapter analyzes paleoseismic data from the perspective of seismic hazard assessment.