Fundamentals of Geophysics

By: William Lowrie

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Synopsis: 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.