Introduction to Seismology

This book provides an approachable and concise introduction to seismology theory. It clearly explains the fundamental concepts, emphasizing intuitive understanding over lengthy derivations. Topics include all that is needed for a comprehensive first course in seismology: stress/strain theory, seismic wave equation, ray theory, tomography, reflection seismology, surface waves, source theory, anisotropy and earthquake prediction. Detailed exercises follow each chapter, giving students the opportunity to apply the techniques they have learned to compute results of interest and to illustrate some of Earth's seismic properties. In several cases, computer subroutines are provided to assist with these exercises. Numerous illustrations accompany the text, including examples of seismograms and images of the global seismic wavefield. This textbook is ideal for any introductory course in seismology taught to upper-division undergraduates or first-year graduate students, and is especially suited for a one-semester class on seismology.

Table of Contents:
Preface; Acknowledgement; 1. Introduction; 2. Stress and strain; 3. The seismic wave equation; 4. Ray theory: travel times; 5. Inversion of travel time data; 6. Ray theory: amplitude and phase; 7. Reflection seismology; 8. Surface waves; 9. Source theory; 10. Earthquake prediction; 11. Miscellanea; Appendices; References; Index.

Review :
'This is a well-balanced textbook, introducing physical concepts with a combination of clever derivations and imaginative computer exercises. It serves as an excellent introduction to modern seismology.' Don Helmberger, California Institute of Technology 'An attractive and readable way to understand how seismic methods can reveal the inner Earth and how reading the records may help to predict earthquakes.' New Scientist '… a well-written textbook … Shearer has a knack for clear explanations and for making otherwise difficult concepts easy to understand, and this book is evidence of that … truly a bargain for professors, researchers, and students.' Anne Sheehan, EOS '… it is ideally suited for an intermediate to advanced undergraduate class where either engineers or nonseismology geophysics and other students can acquire a basic understanding of the concepts and important applications of the field. In a more advanced course context, this text provides a useful baseline reference and jumping off point for more in-depth teaching incorporating material from other resources. … I envision that Introduction to Seismology will become a standard reference that will be a benefit to both the seismological and broader communities for many years to come.' Rick Aster, Seismological Research Letters '… a very good introductory text on modern seismology … It should serve as an excellent introduction for non-seismologists to grasp physical concepts behind seismological techniques. [the book] will probably serve as one of the standard texts for an introductory course on seismology for years to come. it may be considered as the modern counterpart of Bullen's classical textbook on the same topic.' Hitoshi Kawakatsu, Episodes 'As an introductory course textbook for upper-level undergraduate students (and perhaps some graduate students with no previous exposure to seismology), it may be the best textbook available now.' Toshiro Tanimoto, Physics Today '… an excellent text book that meets its aim of providing 'an approachable and concise introduction to seismology' for the 'upper-division' undergraduates or first-year graduates in geophysics'. Tony Marter, Open University Geological Society Journal