The Solid Earth
Geophysics is a broad subject that encompasses not only the physics of the Earth, but also the physics of the atmosphere and oceans. The heart of geophysics, however, is the theory of the solid Earth. The Solid Earth is a general introduction to the study of modern physics of the solid Earth, including the workings of both the Earth's surface and its deep interior. The book begins with a brief historical introduction to developments in geophysics. The next chapter discusses the important theory of plate tectonics, and is followed logically by a chapter on geomagnetism and palaeomagnetism. Subsequent chapters deal with the subjects of seismology, gravity, radioactivity and the age of the Earth and heat flow in the Earth. The book concludes with chapters on the physics of the oceanic and continental lithospheres. The emphasis throughout the discussion is on basic physical principles rather than instrumentation or data handling. Many helpful worked examples are given in the text, and, in addition, there are problems of various degrees of difficulty at the end of each chapter. Appendices explain more advanced mathematical topics and theories of seismology for mathematically inclined students.
- A general introduction to the study of modern physics of the solid Earth with an emphasis on basic physical principles
- Includes many helpful worked examples and problems
- Contains an extensive glossary of terms
- Maths is kept simple
Reviews & endorsements
'This fine new geophysics textbook will now be added to the top of my list of recommendations, as it promises to be excellent both for teachers and for those seeking a review of these processes from a geophysical point of view.' Nature
' … a superb, clearly laid out text.' New Scientist
Product details
June 1990Hardback
9780521370257
490 pages
261 × 211 × 35 mm
1.365kg
609 b/w illus. 25 tables
Replaced by 9780521385909
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Tectonics on a sphere: the geometry of plate tectonics
- 3. Past plate motions
- 4. Seismology: measuring the interior
- 5. Gravity
- 6. Geochronology
- 7. Heat
- 8. The oceanic lithosphere: ridges, transforms, trenches, and oceanic islands
- 9. The continental lithosphere
- Appendices
- Glossary
- Index.