Introduction to Geomagnetic Fields
Introduction to Geomagnetic Fields
Geomagnetic fields arise from a variety of electric current sources. The main, dipolar field results from currents in the Earth's outer core. Dynamo currents, driven by motion of the Earth's ionosphere, generate daily surface field variations, and the Sun's activity modifies the Earth's magnetosphere, producing storm currents on a global scale. Using a minimum of mathematics, and without sacrificing the depth of coverage, the author presents the geomagnetic source fields. Details of measurement methods and a thorough review of the societal impact and use of geomagnetic fields complete the main text. The book concludes with appendices that summarise the necessary background mathematics, provide a comprehensive list of geomagnetic information, and detail geomagnetic utility computer programs. With its refreshing presentation, Introduction to Geomagnetic Fields will appeal to graduate students and researchers seeking an understanding of these natural phenomena.
- Accessible overview of the Earth's magnetic field
- Includes chapters on instrumentation and applications not usually found in most geomagnetism textbooks
- Designed and tested as a text for beginning graduate students in earth science
Reviews & endorsements
'… a short, general book that summarises in a non-technical way the basic concepts and physical processes of geomagnetism … Mathematics is kept to a minimum, and a useful appendix provides a review and definition of those mathematical topics that do appear … Each chapter ends with a succinct summary and the appendices include a useful listing of world data centres for geomagnetism along with the Internet address of the National Geophysical Data Centre … Campbell provides a good all-round introduction to the topic.' Nick Petford, The Times Higher Education Supplement
'This book fulfills its promise to provide simplified but wide-ranging tutorial information about Earth's magnetic field and its variability. The author assumes very little prior knowledge on the part of the reader, minimal mathematical sophistication, and defines all terms used … useful not only to those wishing a general overview of geomagnetism, but also to specialists needing to place their work in context within this broad arena of geophysics.' AGA News
'Wallace Cambell's Introduction to Geomagnetic Fields is a short, general book that summarises in a non-technical way the basic concepts and physical processes of geomagnetism … Campbell provides a good all-round introduction to the topic.' Nick Petford, The Times Higher Education Supplement
'This book fulfills its promise to provide simplified but wide-ranging tutorial information about Earth's magnetic field and its variability. The author assumes very little prior knowledge on the part of the reader, minimal mathematical sophistication, and defines all terms used … useful not only to those wishing a general overview of geomagnetism, but also to specialists needing to place their work in context within this broad arena of geophysics … '. Jo Ann Joselyn, Iaga News
'For people seeking background information, a refresher course, or an introduction to the geomagnetic field, start with this book. It is well written, by an author who has spent his entire career in the field.' Metascience
'This book fulfills its promise to provide simplified but wide-ranging tutorial information about Earth's magnetic field and its variability. The author assumes very little prior knowledge on the part of the reader, minimal mathematical sophistication, and defines all terms used … useful not only to those wishing a general overview of geomagnetism, but also to specialists needing to place their work in context within this broad area of geophysics …'. IAGA News
'This book admirably fulfils its objective of providing a broad but simplified and less technical source book about the magnetic field for physical science students.' J. D. A. Piper, Geological Magazine
Product details
No date availableHardback
9780521571937
303 pages
237 × 158 × 20 mm
0.57kg
182 b/w illus. 1 table
Table of Contents
- Preface
- 1. The Earth's main field
- 2. Field variations at quiet times
- 3. Solar-terrestrial activity
- 4. Measurement methods
- 5. Applications
- Appendix A. Mathematical topics
- Appendix B. Geomagnetic organizations, services, and bibliography
- Appendix C. Utility programs for geomagnetic fields
- References
- Index.
