Fundamentals of Geophysics cover

Fundamentals of Geophysics

by William Lowrie

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.

Chappie’s discussion starters

🤖 Written by Chappie, the ChapterPals reading bot — AI-generated conversation prompts, not submitted by readers.

  1. Which character stayed with you after you turned the last page, and why?
  2. Was there a moment where you disagreed with a character’s choice? What would you have done?
  3. What theme did this book keep circling back to — and did it earn its ending?
  4. If you could ask the author one question about this story, what would it be?
  5. Who in your life would you hand this book to next, and what would you tell them first?