Geophysics: A Very Short Introduction

Geophysics is the physics of the Earth, encompassing seismology, volcanism, plate tectonics, gravitational anomalies, and the Earth's magnetic field. It reveals the internal structure of the Earth, produces the Earth's magnetic field, and magnetizes rocks during their formation. Geophysical exploration is essential for mineral resources and understanding the history of our planet.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 160 pages
\n Publication date: 22 March 2018
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press
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Geophysics is a branch of physics that focuses on the Earth, playing a central role in Earth Sciences today. It encompasses various areas such as seismology, volcanism, plate tectonics, gravitational anomalies, and the Earth's magnetic field, both in its present and past forms, as recorded in rocks. In this concise introduction, William Lowrie delves into the internal and external processes that shape our planet, as well as the principles and methods employed in geophysics to investigate them.

Lowrie explains how seismic waves generated during earthquakes provide valuable insights into the Earth's internal structure. Geophysicists have established that the Earth's internal heat is the primary source of energy powering geological processes. Deep within the Earth, the temperature is high enough to create a fluid outer core composed of molten iron. This molten iron layer undergoes motion, resulting in the Earth's magnetic field, which serves as a protective shield against harmful radiation from the Sun and outer space. This magnetic field also magnetizes rocks during their formation, leaving a permanent record of the ancient field's direction, which geophysicists utilize to interpret past movements of continents and tectonic plates.

Lowrie showcases the significance of geophysical exploration in the search for mineral resources and emphasizes the importance of understanding our planet's history and the processes that govern its ongoing evolution. He draws from analyses of Earth's deepest interior to measurements made from Earth-orbiting satellites, demonstrating how geophysics contributes to our understanding of the Earth's physical properties and processes.

The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press offers a wide range of titles in nearly every subject area. These compact books provide concise and accessible introductions to complex concepts, making them ideal for students, scholars, and anyone interested in expanding their knowledge. Geophysics, as explored in this introduction, is a vital field that sheds light on the Earth's mysteries and helps us navigate our planet more effectively.

\n Weight: 144g\n
Dimension: 174 x 125 x 9 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780198792956\n \n