Geodynamics of the Lithosphere An Introduction [Paperback]

This second edition of the important introductory text for earth scientists has been thoroughly revised and extended. It is required reading for all those interested in learning about the quantitative description of geological problems. It contains chapters on heat flow, sedimentary basin modeling, the mechanics of continental deformation, PT path modeling, geomorphology, mass transfer and more. The book is aimed at the field oriented geologist who wants to begin by learning about the quantitative description of problems. The new edition features yet more illustrations and maps as well as almost 100 corrections of scientific problems.

A thoroughly revised and extended second edition of an important work for earth scientists. This updated version features yet more illustrations and maps as well as almost 100 corrections of scientific problems.

The large scale structure of the earth is caused by geodynamic processes which are explained using energetic, kinematic and dynamic descriptions. While geodynamic processes are understood to include a large variety of processes and the term is used quite loosely, the methods of their description involve well defined fields. Energetic descriptions are involved with distribu? tion of energy in our planet, typically expressed in terms of heat and tempera? ture. Kinematic descriptions describe movements using velocities, strains and strain rates. Dynamic descriptions indicate how stresses and forces behave. In the field, we document only the consequences of geological processes. The underlying causes are much harder to constrain directly. Nevertheless, if we want to explain the tectonic evolution of our planet, we need to interpret these causes or: driving forces . For this, we need to find a dynamic description of geological processes that is consistent with our observations. Our descriptions relate causes and consequences - tectonic processes with field observations. In many cases, we will l3Ã