The Solid Earth: An Introduction to Global Geophysics - Hardcover

Fowler, C. M. R.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521370256 ISBN 13: 9780521370257

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1990

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Review

'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

Book Description

The Solid Earth is a general introduction to the study of modern physics of the solid Earth. 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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521370256
• ISBN 13: 9780521370257
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 490