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Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth

Plates, Plumes and Mantle Convection
Geoffrey F. Davies, Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra
November 1999
Available
Paperback
9780521599337
£86.00
GBP
Paperback
USD
eBook

    Dynamic Earth presents the principles of convection in the earth's mantle in an accessible style. Mantle convection is the process underlying plate tectonics, volcanic hotspots and, hence, most geological processes. The book summarises key observations and presents the relevant physics starting from basic principles. The main concepts and arguments are presented with minimal mathematics, although more mathematical versions of important aspects are included for those who desire them. The book also surveys geochemical constraints and mantle evolution. The audience for Geoff Davies' book will be the broad range of geologists who desire a better understanding of the earth's internal dynamics, as well as graduate students and researchers working on the many aspects of mantle dynamics and its implications for geological processes. It is also suitable as a text or supplementary text for upper undergraduate and postgraduate courses in geophysics, geochemistry, and tectonics.

    • First accessible, comprehensive book on all aspects of mantle dynamics
    • Suitable for a broad geological audience
    • Suitable as a text for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in geophysics, geochemistry, and tectonics

    Reviews & endorsements

    'Seismic imaging allows geophysicists to trace flow cells in the mantle … Until now, finding out about this work meant wading through journals and hefty research papers. Geoffrey Davies has changed all that with his superb book …' Rob Butler, New Scientist

    ' … an elegant and readable exposition with a clear message of how the plates and mantle probably work. The entrance of mantle-convection theory into mainstream Earth-science education is an important cause which this book champions admirably.' Nature

    ' … a fascinating source … information for casual readers together with deeper references for the geology student and specialist.' Spaceflight

    'The work is readable, interesting and fun, providing good food and exposing much. As a general rattle of plates and a dance of plumes, the book has much to be enjoyed.' Euan Nisbet, University of London

    '… an excellent, modestly priced, and generally accessible book.' Norman H. Sleep, Physics Today

    'This is an excellent text, treating us to a very accessible exposition of a complex, but essential aspect of our subject.' Diana M. Smith, Open University Geological Society Journal

    See more reviews

    Product details

    November 1999
    Paperback
    9780521599337
    472 pages
    246 × 189 × 24 mm
    0.983kg
    146 b/w illus. 10 tables
    Available

    Table of Contents

    • Part I. Origins:
    • 1. Introduction
    • 2. Emergence
    • 3. Mobility
    • Part II. Foundations:
    • 4. Surface
    • 5. Interior
    • 6. Flow
    • 7. Heat
    • Part III. Essence:
    • 8. Convection
    • 9. Plates
    • 10. The plate mode
    • 11. The plume mode
    • 12. Synthesis
    • IV. Implications:
    • 13. Chemistry
    • 14. Evolution
    • Appendices
    • Index.
      Author
    • Geoffrey F. Davies , Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra