Basic Geophysics: (Geophysical Monographs)

For a thorough comprehension of the field of geophysics, we need to understand its origins. Basic Geophysics by Enders Robinson and Dean Clark takes us on a journey that demonstrates how the achievements of our predecessors have paved the way for our modern science. From the ancient Greeks through the Enlightenment to the greats of the contemporary age, the reasoning behind basic principles is explored and clarified. With that foundation, several advanced topics are examined, including: the 3D wave equation; ray tracing and seismic modeling; reflection, refraction, and diffraction; and WKBJ migration. The successful integration of the historical narrative alongside practical analysis of relevant principles makes this book an excellent resource for both novices and professionals, and all readers will gain insight and appreciation for the seismic theory that underlies modern exploration seismology.

Table of Contents:
Preface Foreword About the Authors Chapter 1: Classical Geophysics Pythagoras and Archimedes Heron and Snell Descartes as a geophysicist Fermat and the principle of least time Huygens’ principle Isaac Newton and the birth of geophysics Chapter 2: Wave Equation Seismic ray direction The eikonal equation and Pythagoras Michael Faraday and the eikonal equation Pressure and particle velocity Chapter 3: Elasticity The wave equation A wave at a boundary Stress and strain Hooke’s law Cartesian fields of dilatation Cartesian fields of rotation Equations of motion Chapter 4: Rays, Anisotropy, and Maxwell’s Equations Ray equation Discovery of anisotropy Maxwell’s equations Chapter 5: Three-dimensional Wave Equation Wave equation One-dimensional wave equation Sinusoidal waves Plane waves Spherical waves Green’s function Dispersion equation Group velocity Chapter 6: Ray Tracing and Seismic Modeling Hamilton’s equations Ray tracing Eikonal equation Ray equations Reduction of Hamilton’s equations to the ray equations Numerical ray tracing Chapter 7: Reflection, Refraction, and Diffraction Explanation of terms Huygens’ principle Reflection and refraction Fermat’s principle Resolution and the Fresnel zone Diffraction Diffraction curves Diffractions appearing on seismic sections Chapter 8: Migration by the WKBJ Method Geometrical optics and physical optics Exploding reflectors model Migration Wave depropagation simplified Time migration WKBJ migration References Basic Geophysics