Fractals and Chaos in Geology and Geophysics

The fundamental concepts of fractal geometry and chaotic dynamics, along with the related concepts of multifractals, self-similar time series, wavelets, and self-organised criticality, are introduced in this book, for a broad range of readers interested in complex natural phenomena. Now in a greatly expanded second edition, this book relates fractals and chaos to a variety of geological and geophysical applications. These include drainage networks and erosion, floods, earthquakes, mineral and petroleum resources, fragmentation, mantle convection and magnetic field generation. Many advances have been made in the field since the first edition was published. In this edition coverage of self-organised criticality is expanded and statistics and time series are included to provide a broad background for the reader. All concepts are introduced at the lowest possible level of mathematics consistent with their understanding, so that the reader requires only a background in basic physics and mathematics. Problems are included for the reader to solve.

'Fractals and Chaos in Geology and Geophysics, Second Edition, is the best technical introduction to chaos known to me … All of the basic concepts of chaos theory are introduced and exquisitely explained in terms of a selection of examples, most of which are taken from the Earth sciences … To conclude, this book demonstrates beautifully that chaos is neither frivolous like the flapping of wings by a butterfly nor arid like complexity or the nonconvergence of an iterative procedure; it shows the weighty, substantial nature of this subject. The book can be unhesitatingly recommended not only to students and nonspecialists, but certainly also to the working scientist and the teacher.' Michael Danos, EOS, Transactions, American Geophysical Union, '… this book will prove very useful to those trying to learn the subject … The goal of the author was to introduce the fundamental concepts at the lowest level of mathematics that is consistent with the understanding and application of the concepts. He succeeded very well in both first and second editions of this stimulating book Fractals and Chaos in Geology and Geophysics.' Jacques Dubois, Tectonophysics, '… recommended to all who seek an introduction into current approaches to characterizing and modeling complexity in nature.' Pure and Applied Geophysics, 'Anyone with an interest in applied mathematics or statistics and the natural world should find this attractively produced book hard to put down … this is an excellent book, recommended both for individual and library purchase.' Richard J. Howarth, Mathematics Today, '… a good point of entry for those practising earth scientists who wish to acquaint themselves with fractals and chaos prior to reading more specialised literature.' Journal of Sedimentary Research