Fundamentals of Geophysics

by Lowrie, William

• ISBN13: 9780521467285
• ISBN10: 0521467284
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1997-10-01
• Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr

Summary

This textbook presents a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of geophysics. It combines applied and theoretical aspects of the subject, in contrast to most other geophysics textbooks which tend to emphasise either one or the other. The author explains complex geophysical concepts using abundant diagrams, a simplified mathematical treatment, and easy-to-follow equations. After placing the Earth in the context of the solar system, it describes each major branch of geophysics: gravitation, seismology, dating, thermal and electrical properties, geomagnetism, palaeomagnetism and geodynamics. Each chapter begins with a summary of the basic physical principles, and a brief account of each topic's historical evolution. Pitched at a level between introductory and advanced texts, the book will satisfy the needs of intermediate-level earth science students from a variety of backgrounds, while at the same time preparing geophysics majors for continued study to a higher level. The book is destined to become a core textbook for geology and geophysics courses.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
Acknowledgments	xiii
The Earth as a planet	1	(28)
The solar system	1	(8)
The dynamic Earth	9	(18)
Suggestions for further reading	27	(2)
Gravity and the figure of the Earth	29	(54)
The Earth's size and shape	29	(2)
Gravitation	31	(3)
Earth's rotation	34	(12)
The Earth's figure and gravity	46	(9)
Gravity anomalies	55	(11)
Interpretation of gravity anomalies	66	(15)
Suggestions for further reading	81	(2)
Seismology and the internal structure of the Earth	83	(82)
Introduction	83	(1)
Elasticity theory	84	(8)
Seismic waves	92	(11)
The seismograph	103	(7)
Earthquake seismology	110	(22)
Seismic wave propagation	132	(16)
Internal structure of the Earth	148	(16)
Suggestions for further reading	164	(1)
Earth's age, thermal and electrical properties	165	(64)
Geochronology	165	(13)
The Earth's heat	178	(25)
Geoelectricity	203	(25)
Suggestions for further reading	228	(1)
Geomagnetism and paleomagnetism	229	(78)
Historical introduction	229	(2)
The physics of magnetism	231	(11)
Rock magnetism	242	(10)
Geomagnetism	252	(15)
Magnetic surveying	267	(12)
Paleomagnetism	279	(16)
Geomagnetic polarity	295	(10)
Suggestions for further reading	305	(2)
Geodynamics	307	(34)
Isostasy	307	(5)
Rheology	312	(14)
Plate dynamics	326	(13)
Suggestions for further reading	339	(2)
References	341	(6)
Index	347