Principles of Geodynamics

Geodynamics is commonly thought to be one of the subjects which provide the basis for understanding the origin of the visible surface features of the Earth: the latter are usually assumed as having been built up by geodynamic forces originating inside the Earth ("endogenetic" processes) and then as having been degrad- ed by geomorphological agents originating in the atmosphere and ocean ("exogenetic" agents). The modem view holds that the sequence of events is not as neat as it was once thought to be, and that, in effect, both geodynamic and geomorphological processes act simultaneously ("Principle of Antagonism"); however, the division of theoretical geology into the principles of geodynamics and those of theoretical geomorphology seems to be useful for didactic purposes. It has therefore been maintained in the present writer's works. This present treatise on geodynamics is the first part of the author's treatment of theoretical geology, the treatise on Theoretical Geomorphology (also published by the Springer Verlag) representing the second. The present edition is third one of the book. Although the headings of the chapters and sections are much the same as in the previous editions, it will be found that most of the material is, in fact, new.

Table of Contents:
1. Physiographic and Geological Data Regarding the Earth.- 1.1 Introduction.- 1.2 Geological Evolution of the Earth.- 1.3 Geography of Continents and Oceans.- 1.4 Physiography of Continental Areas.- 1.5 Physiography of Oceanic Areas.- 1.6 Physiography of Tectonic Features.- 1.7 Physiography of Some Local Features.- 2. Geophysical Data Regarding the Earth.- 2.1 Results from Seismic Wave Propagation Studies.- 2.2 Studies of the Earthquake Focus.- 2.3 Gravity Data.- 2.4 Underground Stresses.- 2.5 Data from Age Determinations.- 2.6 Thermal Data.- 2.7 Electromagnetic Effects.- 2.8 Geochemical Data.- 3. The Mechanics of Deformation.- 3.1 Finite Strain in Rheological Bodies.- 3.2 Theoretical Rheology.- 3.3 The Physics of Fracture.- 3.4 Rheology of the Earth: The Basic Problem of Geodynamics.- 4. Geodynamic Effects of the Rotation of the Earth.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 The Figure of the Earth.- 4.3 The Rotation of the Earth.- 4.4 Tidal Effects.- 4.5 The Question of Stability of the Earth’s Axis of Rotation.- 4.6 Other Forces Due to the Rotation of the Earth.- 5. Planetary Problems.- 5.1 The Origin of the Earth as a Planet.- 5.2 The Evolution of the Earth as a Planet.- 5.3 Continents and Oceans.- 5.4 Historical Remarks.- 6. Orogenesis.- 6.1 Fundamental Global Tectonic Relationships.- 6.2 Theory of Plate Motions.- 6.3 Other Theories of Orogenesis.- 6.4 Conclusion.- 7. Geotectonics.- 7.1 General Remarks.- 7.2 Theory of Tectonic Features.- 7.3 Theory of the Seismic Source.- 7.4 Boundary Effects.- 7.5 Characteristic Geomechanical Features.- 8. Theory of Some Local Features.- 8.1 Introduction.- 8.2 Boudinage.- 8.3 Theory of Piercement Structures.- 8.4 Theory of Volcanic Effects.- 8.5 Theory of Impact Features.- 8.6 Theory of Contemporary Displacements.- Author Index.