Geophysics is a term that might discourage any but the most inquisitive Earth Scientist but, simply put, it is the study of the Physics of the Earth. As the Earth is very large and relatively slow-moving it is described by the classical Physics disciplines such as heat, gravity, magnetism, electricity, vibrations and waves. Everything we know about the deep Earth, apart from the superficial pinpricks provided by boreholes, we have learned from geophysics. In this approachable and well-illustrated introduction to the many multi-disciplinary facets of geophysics, Peter Styles has kept mathematics to a bare minimum.
An introduction to the science of geophysics which deals with physical processes and physical properties of the Earth and its surrounding space environment.
Peter Stylesis a British geologist. He was Professor of Applied and Environmental Geophysics at Keele University. He is a past President of the Geological Society of London.
Contents:
Preface;
Acknowledgements.
Sourced illustrations.
Introduction and scene setting.
1. Heat flow and the driving forces;
2. Seismology and seismic exploration;
3. The Earth’s magnetic field and its implications;
4. Electrical properties of the Earth;
5. Gravity: the figure and structure of the Earth;
6. Geophysics goes to work!
Glossary.
Further reading.