Description
Book SynopsisThe fourth edition of Physics of the Earth maintains the original philosophy of this classic graduate textbook on fundamental solid earth geophysics, while being completely revised, updated and restructured. Over 140 student exercises of varying levels are included, with full solutions available online.
Trade Review'Physics of the Earth will continue to set the standard for the teaching of deep or whole earth geophysics.' Vernon Cormier, Pure and Applied Geophysics
'… a splendid textbook … a mine of knowledge and references' Jean-Paul Poirier, Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors
'… the book is ideal for students as it combines physical insight, basic equations and plenty of discussion … a classic book. Highly recommended.' David Crossley, Geophysical Journal International
' … the overall balance of the work makes it a valuable survey that provokes thought, even for specialists in the field.' Thorne Lay, Physics Today
' … this is an excellent text that I can strongly recommend to anyone requiring an introduction to Solid Earth Geophysics and planetary science.' Geological Magazine
Table of ContentsPreface; 1. Origin and history of the Solar System; 2. Composition of the Earth; 3. Radioactivity, isotopes and dating; 4. Isotopic clues to the age and origin of the Solar System; 5. Evidence of the Earth's evolutionary history; 6. Rotation, figure of the Earth and gravity; 7. Precession, wobble and rotational irregularities; 8. Tides and the evolution of the lunar orbit; 9. The satellite geoid, isostasy and post-glacial rebound; 10. Elastic and inelastic properties; 11. Deformation of the crust: rock mechanics; 12. Tectonics; 13. Convective and tectonic stresses; 14. Kinematics of the earthquake process; 15. Earthquake dynamics; 16. Seismic wave propagation; 17. Seismological determination of Earth structure; 18. Finite strain and high pressure equations of state; 19. Thermal properties; 20. The surface heat flux; 21. The global energy budget; 22. Thermodynamics of convection; 23. Thermal history; 24. The geomagnetic field; 25. Rock magnetism and paleomagnetism; 26. Alternative energy sources and natural climate variations: some geophysical background; Appendix A. General reference data; Appendix B. Orbital dynamics (Kepler's laws); Appendix C. Spherical harmonic functions; Appendix D. Relationships between elastic moduli of an isotropic solid; Appendix E. Thermodynamic parameters and derivative properties; Appendix F. An Earth model: mechanical properties; Appendix G. A thermal model of the Earth; Appendix H. Radioactive isotopes; Appendix I. A geological time scale 2004; Appendix J. Problems; References; Index.
