Lillie R.J. Whole Earth Geophysics. An Introductory Textbook for Geologists and Geophysicists

Upper Saddle River: Prentice-Hall. – 1999. – 383 p. The tendency for specialists in one discipline of science to become isolated in that discipline and hence unaware of potentially useful techniques, developments and information from another discipline is a disturbing problem that pervades and grows in modern science. The problem is exacerbated by a paucity of written material designed to bridge such gaps. Bob Lillie’s book is at once a welcome contribution on this score and a fine textbook in the conventional sense. It is designed to introduce the principal geophysical phenomena and techniques, namely seismology in its various forms, gravity, magnetism, and heat flow, to students whose primary training is in geology and who have a basic, but not necessarily an advanced, knowledge of physics, the book’s abundant figures (scores and scores of them) and exercises, coupled with the straightforward and tightly organized style of the text, put the subject of geophysics well within reach of such students. But that very style will also make the book highly useful to others, such as: (a) beginning students of geophysics who seek an orientation and a ready reference volume, and (b) advanced students of physics who already understand the nature of phenomena such as elastic wave propagation and gravity but who lack familiarity with the manner in which such phenomena are utilized by geophysicists as they explore the earth’s interior from core to crust. Some other noteworthy aspects of the book include: (a) a brief orientation in plate tectonics as that subject relates to geophysics, and (b) an appendix that outlines an exercise in good writing based on the subject matter of the book. Science courses, unfortunately, often leave the teaching of writing to others, even though good communication is an essential component of good science. This book makes no such omission. All in all, the book’s organization, style, abundant illustrative figures exercises, and lists of critical definitions at the head (not the end) of each chapter reflect the experience, dedication, and attention to detail of an author well versed in teaching such a course. Lillie has produced a most useful volume for those who seek to understand the great adventure that is exploration of the earth’s interior through application of the principles and techniques of geophysics.ForewordPlate Tectonics
Seismic Waves
Seismic Refraction Interpretation
Seismic Reflection: Acquisition, Processing, and Waveform Analysis
Structural and Tectonic Interpretation of Seismic Reflection Profiles
Earthquake Seismology
Gravity and Isostasy
Magnetic Interpretation
Heat Flow
Sequenced Writing Assignment for Whole Earth Geophysics Course
Units, Conversions, and Abbreviations
Igneous Rocks: Classification, Properties of Magmas, and Tectonic Occurrence
Answers to Selected Exercises