Theory of the Earth by Don L. Anderson (PDF)

Description

Theory of the Earth is a combination reference and textbook that every exploration geologist and research scientist should have on his/her bookshelf. It is also suitable for advanced undergraduate, as well as graduate level geophysics courses. The emphasis is on the origin, evolution, structure and composition of the earth’s interior. It treats the pertinent aspects of solid state physics, thermodynamics, geochemistry, petrology, and seismology in sufficient detail for all who seek current information on geochemistry, solid state physics, and physics of the earth or planets.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐I used this as a textbook for a “volcanic plumbing” course in grad school, where one of our objectives was to learn about magma formation. The book starts off with how the earth was formed chemically, moving on to characteristics of material movement and behavior in the mantle, with some thoughts on the core. The strengths lie in providing petrological and geophysical data to explaining interior processes, as well as giving space for competing hypothesis. One weakness are some of the references to internet searches or “googlets”, which work, with mixed results. However, references are easily accessible in the back of the book, complete with further reading suggestions and some explanation of more complex or controversial subjects. Recommended as an introduction to earth’s internal processes for undergraduates and graduate students with prior coursework in geophysics and petrology.

⭐I recently (2013) bought this book after reading the first edition (1989). Most of the text is lifted verbatim from the previous edition. The material is repetitious and runs on in an almost stream-of-consciousness manner. There is very little new material compared to the first edition, with the exception of a new section on tomography. This is surprising, since a lot must have been discovered in the past 15 years. Anderson is still beating us over the head with a heterogeneous mantle dominated by eclogite.

⭐I have only read some of this book so far, but Dr. Anderson impressed me with his style in the first 3 pages. To study the earth he argues, why take a geocentric view? He begins with the constraints on accepted planetary formation theories and builds a model of what early earth could of looked like, subtley using the scientific method and asking and answering questions every step of the way. He draws on chemistry, physics, mathematics, astronomy, every applicable branch of science to make his conjectures.

⭐Don Anderson’s latest book is a must-have for Earth Scientists interested in the interior of the Earth. It is packed with the latest ideas, in addition to extremely useful reference material, innovative “googlets” (luv ’em) and a lot of common-sense, reality check material. Recommended for students, teachers, and laymen alike.

⭐Excellent review of mainly geochemistry of the Earth. Very helpful reading and reference book.

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