Looking into the Earth: An Introduction to Geological Geophysics

Looking Into the Earth comprehensively describes the principles and applications of both 'global' and 'exploration' geophysics on all scales. It forms an introduction to geophysics suitable for those who do not necessarily intend to become professional geophysicists, including geologists, civil engineers, environmental scientists, and field archaeologists. The book is organised into two parts: Part 1 describes the geophysical methods, while Part 2 illustrates their use in a number of extended case histories. Mathematical and physical principles are introduced at an elementary level, and then developed as necessary. Student questions and exercises are included at the end of each chapter. The book is aimed primarily at introductory and intermediate university students taking courses in geology, earth science, environmental science, and engineering. It will also form an excellent introductory textbook in geophysics departments, and will help practising geologists, archaeologists and engineers understand what geophysics can offer their work.

Table of Contents:
Preface; 1. Introducing geophysics and this book; Part I. Geophysical Methods: 2. Data acquisition and reduction: carrying out a geophysical survey; 3. Data processing: getting more information from the data; 4. Global seismology and seismic waves; 5. Earthquakes and seismotectonics; 6. Refraction seismology; 7. Seismic reflection; 8. Gravity on a small scale; 9. Large-scale gravity and isostasy; 10. Palaeomagnetism and mineral magnetism; 11. Magnetic surveying; 12. Resistivity methods; 13. Induced polarisation and self-potential; 14. Electromagnetic methods; 15. The ages of rocks and minerals: radiometric dating; 16. Radioactive surveying; 17. Geothermics: heat and temperature in the Earth; 18. Well-logging and other sub-surface geophysics; Part II. Examples of Applications: 19. Which geophysical methods to use?; 20. Global tectonics; 21. Is the Kenya Rift a new plate margin? - a regional geophysical study; 22. Hydrocarbon exploration; 23. Exploration for metalliferous ores; 24. Volcanoes; 25. The Chicxulub structure and the K/T mass extinction; 26. Hydrogeology and contaminated land; 27. Location of cavities and voids; 28. Archaeological site surveying; References; Index.

Review :
'…Mussett and Khan have not only succeeded in providing a broad introduction to geophysics for the non-specialist, but have managed to do so in a book that is consistently readable, clear and concise.' C. Mac Niocaill, Mineralogical Magazine ' … a well-written textbook which in its style and content provides a first class, sharp and well-focused introduction to geological geophysics. A very thorough and readable introduction to the principles and practice of exploration and solid earth geophysics … gives the best coverage of geophysical case studies published to date … deserves the highest recommendation. … an excellent text for undergraduates in the Earth Sciences.' Professor Norman Hamilton, University of Southampton '… uses a fresh, insightful, and comprehensive approach to overview geophysical methods and concepts. The treatment of this broad subject is thorough but is clearly written and does not get bogged down in details and mathematics. The illustrations are excellent.' Professor G. Randy Keller, University of Texas, El Paso '… the most readable geologically oriented geophysical text on the market.' Professor Mike Dentith, University of Western Australia '… an ambitious and impressive achievement, a successful overview of the whole field of solid earth geophysics from the smallest to the global scale. Logically structured and clearly written, the material is presented at a level accessible to the geological student with a limited physics and mathematics background. However it contains a wealth of information and comment and will unquestionably prove of value and interest to a much wider readership.' Professor D. H. Griffiths, University of Birmingham 'A clear, well illustrated text which usefully applies the principles examined.' Mineral Planning '… an excellent introductory textbook in geophysics departments.' Europe and Astronomy '… a terrific beginner's guide to the methods and applications of solid earth geophysics … I recommend this book as an undergraduate text for prospective geophysicists, as background reading for introductory geophysics classes at the graduate level, and as a great reference for anyone working with geophysicists or planning to do so.' Rick Saltus, The Leading Edge '… catered for a much wider audience … I would think that anybody tackling third level courses might well find this a very useful adjunct … the book does cover, one way or another, just about every aspect of earth science, for there are applications for geophysics that had not previously occurred to me … Good book. Read it.' Jennifer S. Holt, OUGS Journal '… more than an aid to learning, it is an advert for its subject, and should interest and appeal to a wide readership … It should be on the shelves of every library, geophysics teacher and anyone taking an introductory course in geophysics, or who wants a sound readable introduction to the subject of geophysics on all its facets.' R. W. England, Geological Magazine 'For the instructor seeking an introductory text that is comprehensive in terms of global as well as applied geophysics, and at the same time, mathematically accessible to the non-geophysics major, this text is an excellent choice.' Lorraine W. Wolf, EOS