Of Poles and Zeros: Fundamentals of Digital Seismology (Modern Approaches in Geophysics) [Paperback]

F. Scherbaum (Author)

Book Description

Series: Modern Approaches in Geophysics | Publication Date: January 19, 2007

Digital signal processing has become an integral part of observational seismology. Seismic waveforms and the parameters commonly extracted from them are strongly influenced by the effects of numerous filters, both within the earth and within the recording system. With the advent of numerous software tools for the processing of digital seismograms, seismologists have unprecedented power in extracting information from seismic records. These tools are often based on sophisticated theoretical aspects of digital signal processing which, to be used properly, need to be understood. This book is aimed at observational seismologists and students in geophysics trying to obtain a basic understanding of those aspects of digital signal processing that are relevant to the interpretation of seismograms. It covers the basic theory of linear systems, the design and analysis of simple digital filters, the effect of sampling and A/D conversion, the calculation of 'true ground motion', and the effects of seismic recording systems on parameters extracted from digital seismograms. It contains numerous examples and exercises together with their solutions. The second edition contains the Digital Seismology Tutor by Elke Schmidtke (University of Potsdam) and Frank Scherbaum, a Java applet with all the tools to reproduce and/or modify the examples and problems from this book as well as a treatment of sigma-delta modulation with new problems and exercises.

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 2nd edition (January 19, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792368355
• ISBN-13: 978-0792368359
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,365,142 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Of Poles and Zeros, October 25, 2001

By 

"valasti" (Helsinki Finland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Of Poles and Zeros: Fundamentals of Digital Seismology (Modern Approaches in Geophysics) (Paperback)

This is an excellent introduction to modern seismic measurement systems. Basically all what you need to know is covered here. Starting from functioning of seismometer, analog-to-digital techniques and digital filtering. All from the point of view of seismological interests, i.e. everything is all the time nicely linked with seismological practices which other "signal and systems" books obviously lack. Also the CD included is very educative when learning what poles and zeros actually mean.

Pictures could be a bit better from time to time. It seems that straight window-captures have been used when some further image processing would have been required.

Nevertheless, this is a must for any seismologist dealing with measuring systems.

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have book, November 8, 2011

By 

calBear - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Of Poles and Zeros: Fundamentals of Digital Seismology (Modern Approaches in Geophysics) (Paperback)

This is a must have book if you want to learn instrument in seismology. It will give you a clear idea of what is poles and zeros, which confused me for a long time.

5.0 out of 5 stars Priceless, April 14, 2009

By 

Baarb (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Of Poles and Zeros: Fundamentals of Digital Seismology (Modern Approaches in Geophysics) (Paperback)

Am going to skip over the general contents (you can see the index for yourselves) and just say that this book covers all the things that you wondered about that didn't seem to be covered in larger texts. The material is easy to follow and yet covers a huge array of critical information and analytical techniques, from correcting for anti-aliasing filters in digitisers to a whole treatise on removing instrument responses. Can't recommend this highly enough if you're getting into seismology. An essential reference book and a steal at $40 or less.