Deformation of Earth Materials
An Introduction to the Rheology of Solid Earth

A textbook for graduate students and researchers in geology, geophysics, materials science, mineralogy and ceramics.

Shun-ichiro Karato (Author)

9781107406056, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 26 July 2012

482 pages
24.6 x 18.8 x 2.5 cm, 0.85 kg

'… a welcome addition to textbooks dealing with experimental rock mechanics and its application to natural rock deformation. … provides by far the most comprehensive and authoritative treatment of this field in recent years. … its greatest value lies in the drawing together of traditional topics together with more recent developments such as the thermodynamic aspects of rock deformation and links with whole-Earth geodynamics. This is combined with a clear writing style and excellent illustrations to make this an essential addition to a researcher's bookshelf.' Geological Magazine

This graduate textbook presents a comprehensive, unified treatment of the materials science of deformation as applied to solid Earth geophysics and geology. The deformation of Earth materials is presented in a systematic way covering elastic, anelastic and viscous deformation. Advanced discussions on relevant debates are also included to bring readers a full picture of science in this interdisciplinary area. This textbook is ideal for graduate courses on the rheology and dynamics of solid Earth, and includes review questions with solutions so readers can monitor their understanding of the material presented. It is also a much-needed reference for geoscientists in many fields including geology, geophysics, geochemistry, materials science, mineralogy and ceramics.

Part I. General Background: 1. Stress and strain
2. Thermodynamics
3. Phenomenological theory of deformation
Part II. Materials Science of Deformation: 4. Elasticity
5. Crystalline defects
6. Experimental techniques in the study of plastic deformation
7. Brittle fracture, brittle-plastic transition
8. Diffusional creep
9. Dislocation creep
10. Effects of pressure and water
11. Physical mechanisms of seismic wave attenuation
12. Deformation of multi-phase materials
13. Grain size
14. Lattice preferred orientation
15. Effects of phase transformations
16. Stability and localization of deformation
Part III. Geological and Geophysical Applications: 17. Composition and structure of Earth's interior
18. Time-dependent deformation of Earth and rheological structures
19. Inference of rheological structure of Earth from mineral physics
20. Heterogeneity of seismic wave velocities and its geodynamic significance
21. Seismic anisotropy and its geodynamic significance
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Materials science [TGM], Geochemistry [RBGK], Petrology [RBGG], Mineralogy & gems [PNV], Geophysics [PHVG]