Foundations of Geomagnetism

Description

The main magnetic field of the Earth is a complex phenomenon. To understand its origins in the fluid of the Earth's core, and how it changes in time requires a variety of mathematical and physical tools. This book presents the foundations of geomagnetism, in detail and developed from first principles. The book is based on George Backus' courses for graduate students at the University of California, San Diego. The material is mathematically rigorous, but is logically developed and has consistent notation, making it accessible to a broad range of readers. The book starts with an overview of the phenomena of interest in geomagnetism, and then goes on to deal with the phenomena in detail, building the necessary techniques in a thorough and consistent manner. Students and researchers will find this book to be an invaluable resource in the appreciation of the mathematical and physical foundations of geomagnetism.

'George Backus's lecture notes, developed over many years, are well known among theoretical geophysicists as an authoritative source for the subject 's mathematical foundations. The lectures on geomagnetism have now been edited for publication. The result is no ordinary textbook ... This is essential reading for any mathematics graduate working in spherical geometry; it will remain authoritative for many years to come.' David Gubbins, Nature 'All in all, this book stands alone in terms of its mathematical rigor and completeness in treating exactly what it claims, the (mathematical) foundations of geomagnetism. I can highly recommend it to geophysicists as a reference work which will attain considerable longevity.' Andy Jackson, Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism