Advanced Geodynamics
The Fourier Transform Method

Augments and extends the classic textbook Geodynamics by Turcotte and Schubert, presenting more complex and foundational math approaches.

David T. Sandwell (Author)

9781316519622, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 27 January 2022

282 pages
25.1 x 17.5 x 1.8 cm, 0.71 kg

'Advanced Geodynamics: The Fourier Transform Method by David Sandwell is a godsend for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and researchers actively engaged in the broad area of geodynamics. It complements the classic Geodynamics book by Turcotte & Schubert in a way nothing else could: by elevating the treatment to real, cutting-edge research problems via Fourier transforms that deliver simple and elegant solutions to complicated science problems.' Paul Wessel, University of Hawaii

David Sandwell developed this advanced textbook over a period of nearly 30 years for his graduate course at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The book augments the classic textbook Geodynamics by Don Turcotte and Jerry Schubert, presenting more complex and foundational mathematical methods and approaches to geodynamics. The main new tool developed in the book is the multi-dimensional Fourier transform for solving linear partial differential equations. The book comprises nineteen chapters, including: the latest global data sets; quantitative plate tectonics; plate driving forces associated with lithospheric heat transfer and subduction; the physics of the earthquake cycle; postglacial rebound; and six chapters on gravity field development and interpretation. Each chapter has a set of student exercises that make use of the higher-level mathematical and numerical methods developed in the book. Solutions to the exercises are available online for course instructors, on request.

1. Observations Related to Plate Tectonics
2. Fourier Transform Methods in Geophysics
3. Plate Kinematics
4. Marine Magnetic Anomalies
5. Cooling of the Oceanic Lithosphere
6. A Brief Review of Elasticity
7. Crustal Structure, Isostasy, Swell Push Force, and Rheology
8. Flexure of the Lithosphere
9. Flexure Examples
10. Elastic Solutions for Strike-Slip Faulting
11. Heat Flow Paradox
12. The Gravity Field of the Earth, Part I
13. Reference Earth Model: WGS84
14. Laplace's Equation in Spherical Coordinates
15. Laplace's Equation in Cartesian Coordinates and Satellite Altimetry
16. Poisson's Equation in Cartesian Coordinates
17. Gravity/Topography Transfer Function and Isostatic Geoid Anomalies
18. Postglacial Rebound
19. Driving Forces of Plate Tectonics
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Geology & the lithosphere [RBG], Volcanology & seismology [RBC], Geophysics [PHVG], Mathematical modelling [PBWH]