The Magnetic Field of the Earth
Paleomagnetism, the Core, and the Deep Mantle
- 1st Edition, Volume 63 - July 31, 1998
- Imprint: Academic Press
- Author: Ronald T. Merrill
- Editors: Michael W. McElhinny, Phillip L. McFadden
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 4 9 1 2 4 6 - 5
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 0 8 - 0 5 1 0 6 0 - 6
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… Read more
Purchase options
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.
@bul:* The only book to integrate material from geomagnetism, paleomagnetism, and dynamo theory* Spans a breadth of material greater than any other textbook published in the past 50 years* Covers introductory material and complex concepts, making it useful to students as well as to researchers in the field* Explains the basics of each topic in a comprehensive manner* Reviews state-of-the-art knowledge in each area * Discusses the development and analysis of geomagnetic reversal sequences in detail
AUDIENCE: Students of introductory geophysics and geomagnetism courses. Geoscience researchers at universities and colleges worldwide.
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.
- Edition: 1
- Volume: 63
- Published: July 31, 1998
- Imprint: Academic Press
- Language: English
MM
Michael W. McElhinny
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.
Affiliations and expertise
Godwana Consultants, New South Wales, AustraliaPM
Phillip L. McFadden
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.
Affiliations and expertise
Australian Geological Survey Organization, Canberra, AustraliaRM
Ronald T. Merrill
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.
Affiliations and expertise
University of Washington, Seattle, U.S.A.