Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #576755 in Books
• Published on: 1990-06-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 490 pages

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

Customer Reviews

A superb introduction to the geophysics of the solid earth
This is by far the best general text on geophysics around. It got me through my undergrad geophysics and is still a useful reference for me as a grad student. Easy to read, but with a firm grasp of the geophysical principles involved, it covers tectonics, seismology, gravity, geochronology, heat and the lithosphere. Superb illustations always complement the text and make it into the indispenisble tome that it is.