The Magnetic Field of the Earth
Paleomagnetism, the Core and the Deep Mantle
Published on 31. July 1998
Book
Paperback/Softback
531 pages
978-0-12-491246-5 (ISBN)
Description
Topics involved in studies of the Earth's magnetic field and its secular variation range from the intricate observations of geomagnetism, to worldwide studies of archeomagnetism and paleomagnetism, through to the complex mathematics of dynamo theory. Traditionally these different aspects of geomagnetism have been studied and presented in isolation from each other. The Magnetic Field of the Earth draws together these major lines of inquiry into an integrated framework to highlight the interrelationships and thus to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the geomagnetic field. The text is organized so that paleomagnetists and dynamo theoreticians may both benefit from the results and arguments presented by the other. A particular example is the presentation of paleomagnetic results to illuminate the observational constraints on geodynamo theory. Conversely, dynamo theory is explained in such a way that paleomagnetists may utilize it to present their data more effectively. Other important features of the book include a discussion of planetary magnetic fields and their implications for dynamo theory and the most recent set of magnetic charts.
This unique integrated approach to the subject will make The Magnetic Field of the Earth an invaluable reference book for all geophysicists, particularly those wishing to gain insight into alternative branches of research.
This unique integrated approach to the subject will make The Magnetic Field of the Earth an invaluable reference book for all geophysicists, particularly those wishing to gain insight into alternative branches of research.
Reviews / Votes
It represents an excellent effort...and is probably the most up-to-date work available on Earth's magnetic field....The specific terms used are well explained and the mathematics are not overwhelming. For students beginning studies in the field of geophysics and the earth's interior, it is essential. --M.S. Field, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in CHOICE This work is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the geomagnetic field. In addition, it has many useful descriptions of related topics that are recommended reading for anyone wishing to understand better the structures and processes within our planet. --Prof. David Kloper, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Institute, Florida State University, in AMERICAN SCIENTISTMore details
Series
Edition
New ed of 2 Revised ed of
Language
English
Place of publication
San Diego
United States
Publishing group
Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
200 diagrams, references, index
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Weight
744 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-12-491246-5 (9780124912465)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Ronald T. Merrill is a Professor of Geophysics and Geological Sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle and a Fellow of the American GeophysicalUnion. Michael W. McElhinny is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and recipient of its Mawson Medal, a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union and recipient of its Fleming Medal, and an Honorary Fellow of the Geological Society of America. Phillip L. McFadden is Chief Research Scientist in the Australian Geological Survey Organization, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union, and a recipient of the Jubilee Medal of the Geological Society of South Africa.
Content
History of Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism: Discovery of the Main Magnetic Elements. Fossil Magnetism and the Magnetic Field in the Past. Investigations of the External Magnetic Field. Origin of the Earth's Magnetic Field. The Present Geomagnetic Field: Analysis and Description from Historical Observations: Magnetic Elements and Charts. Spherical Harmonic Description of the Earth's Magnetic Field. Uniqueness and Other Mathematical Problems. Geomagnetic Secular Variation. The External Magnetic Field. Foundations of Paleomagnetism: Rock Magnetism. Magnetic Mineralogy. Paleomagnetic Directions and Poles. Paleointensity Methods. Age Determinations. The Recent Geomagnetic Field: Paleomagnetic Observations: Archeomagnetic Results. Analysis of Recent Lake Sediments. Geomagnetic Excursions. The Geomagnetic Power Spectrum. Reversals of the Earth's Magnetic Field: Evidence for Field Reversal. Marine Magnetic Anomalies. Analysis of Reversal Sequences. Polarity Transitions. The Time-Averaged Paleomagnetic Field: Geocentric Axial Dipole Hypothesis. Second-Order Terms. Variation in the Earth's Dipole Moment. Paleosecular Variation from Lavas (PSVL). Processes and Properties of the Earth's Deep Interior: Basic Principles: Seismic Properties of the Earth's Interior. Chemical and Physical Properties. Thermodynamic Properties of the Earth's Deep Interior. Thermal History Models. Non-dynamo Models for the Earth's Magnetic Field. Fluid Mechanics Fundamentals. Energy Sources. Introduction to Dynamo Theory: The Dynamo Problem. The Magnetic Induction Equation. The a and w Effects of Dynamo Theory. Waves in Dynamo Theory. Symmetries in Dynamo Theory. Theories for Geomagnetic Secular Variations and magnetic Field Reversals. Dynamo Theory: Vector Spherical Harmonics. Kinematic Dynamos. Cowling's Theorem and Other Constraints. Turbulence in the Core. Dynamo Waves. Dynamics of the Geodynamo. The Magnetic Fields of the Sun, Moon, and Planets: Origin of the Solar System. The Sun. The Moon. Meteorites. Magnetic Fields of the Planets. Geomagnetic Relevance. Examples of Synthesis: Fluid Velocities in the Core. Core-Mantle Coupling: Length of Day. Paleomagnetism and Dynamo Theory. Variations at the Core-Mantle Boundary and the Earth's Surface. Appendices. References. Subject Index.