Customer Reviews

Theoretical Global Seismology

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This is a good book. It definitely fills a gap in the literature in the sense that it is unique in combining the rigorous continuum mechanics with the free modes of the earth (or terrestrial planets in general). It also connects the low-frequency oscillations (normal modes) to the seismological observables. The only problem is that you need to have studied a considerable amount of classical continuum mechanics and elastic wave propagation to reach the stage and this can not be expected from everyone. For a student who just studied intro to continuum mechanics and knows what the spherical harmonics are, this book can serve to relate all this stuff to the real world. Have a nice time reading the book.

In my on going quest to collect any and all books on seismology (earthquake and theoretical) I found a good deal (price) on this book and went ahead and bought it. I did not need it for any classes etcetera, but I wanted it as a reference maybe. I ordered it sight-unseen. When I got it I was somewhat dismayed. It is very rigorous in its mathematical treatment of the subject (newbies be forewarned!) and the equations are somewhat cluttered. I don't know why, but I have noticed a trend in that the more advanced textbooks get, the smaller they get! The pages in this book are 5.5" X 9.0" If the pages were bigger, it wouldn't have to be as thick and might make for a cleaner layout. It is a very advanced theoretical book and so I haven't used it much. My only other gripe is somwhat selfish. I learned from other seismology books first and most of the equations in this one are hard to follow because of the use of different symols for variables and indicies. I wish there was some continuity in the seismological community on this matter. The authors are no doubt "giants" in their field, therefore I am sure this book is a valuable asset to researchers. If you are new to the subject and/or curious and this book is NOT required in a class, I would look elsewhere.

I am an important professor at some university, and I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I used to think geology was a waste of time, but now I don't think so anymore. Because I read this book. This REALLY GOOD book. It's about the free oscillations of the Earth. If you don't know what that means, the earth freely oscillates, and that's what this book is about. These (free) oscillations are related to earthquakes. Well, I don't want to say too much because I'm afraid of spoiling the end of this classic book on free oscillations. But it's about earthquakes and it is SO good. So don't delay, do what I say, and buy this book right away today, okay?