Deep Interior of the Earth

Plate tectonic theory has revolutionized the study of the history of our planet. It is now becoming increasingly apparent that processes deep within the Earth's mantle and core strongly influence plate movements, and it is to these processes that the author addresses himself. Having discussed the origin, composition, structure and physical properties of the Earth, the book turns to discuss the key role that interactions between the mantle and core play in magmatic and tectonic processes. Other important issues discussed are the nature and existence of mantle plumes and convection cells, and the similarities and differences of tectonic processes on other planets in the solar system. These and other questions are discussed in the context of the Earth's origins, its chemistry and its physics. All geophysicists and geologists concerned with earth evolution and plate tectonics should find much of interest in this book.

For those who do not research the deep Earth but who wish to appreciate the current state of our understanding...the book is extremely appropriate because it is clearly written succint and well illustrated... - Nature; If you want to know the present status of research questions and discoveries bearing on the earth's interior, this book is an excellent starting point. The book combines the best of a research monograph, or long review article, and a short introductory text. It is impressively up-to-date , yet is not overly encyclopedic. More important, it fairly summarizes current debates and controvesies, while clearly explaining the motivation behind the work leading to the conflicting views. - Journal of Geologic Education; There may by more than a few readers out there for whom the advances in deep earth geophysics are coming just a bit too fast to assimilate. If you are one of these, this is your book, in which a comprehensive update is joined with considered judgements about what will endure. - Geological Magazine; ...an extremely timely addition to the literature...an excellent overview suitable not only for a beginning graduate student...but a useful and inexpensive addition to the bookshelf of anyone with an interest in the earth's deep interior - Pageoph