Advanced Geodynamics

‘Advanced Geodynamics brings the unique perspective of a leading geophysicist to the solution of a wide array of problems in geodynamics. The approach emphasizes the use of advanced mathematics, in particular the Fourier transform, to obtain a quantitative understanding of the processes involved in shaping the Earth’s surface. The advanced mathematical approach not only enhances the elegance of the solutions, but it enables the consideration of many problems not accessible with less sophisticated mathematical methods. The choice of problems benefits from the deep physical insights of the author to their solutions. The book discusses the physical processes involved in plate tectonics and the earthquake cycle and provides the latest relevant observational data sets. An emphasis is also placed on the use of gravity data to learn about these processes. The book is the product of decades of teaching by the author and is a must read for students of the physics of the Earth with the appropriate mathematical background.’ Gerald Schubert, University of California, Los Angeles; co-author of Geodynamics‘Most authors would find writing a sequel to Turcotte and Schubert’s classic book on Geodynamics a daunting task. Not so for David Sandwell, whose first book is a wonderful mix of observations and theory, elegant mathematics and a focus on the oceans and the Fourier method which together help illuminate some of the fundamental physical processes that underlie plate tectonics.’ Tony Watts, University of Oxford; author of Isostasy and Flexure of the Lithosphere‘Advanced Geodynamics: The Fourier Transform Method by David Sandwell is a godsend for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and researchers actively engaged in the broad area of geodynamics. It complements the classic Geodynamics book by Turcotte & Schubert in a way nothing else could: by elevating the treatment to real, cutting-edge research problems via Fourier transforms that deliver simple and elegant solutions to complicated science problems.’ Paul Wessel, University of Hawaii

David T. Sandwell is a Professor of Geophysics at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego. His research is focused on marine tectonics and geodynamics, and he develops global marine gravity and topography models from satellite altimetry and ship soundings. He is author of more than 190 research papers. He is a Fellow of Geological Society of America, the American Geophysical Union, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and a member of the US National Academy of Sciences.