The Magnetic Field of the Earth: Paleomagnetism, the Core, and the Deep Mantle (International Geophysics Series)

Topics involved in studies of the Earth's magnetic field and its secular variation range from the intricate observations of geomagnetism, to worldwide studies of archeomagnetism and paleomagnetism, through to the complex mathematics of dynamo theory. Traditionally these different aspects of geomagnetism have in the main been studied and presented in isolation from each other. This text draws together these lines of inquiry into an integrated framework to highlight the interrelationships and thus to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the geomagnetic field. The text is organizd so that paleomagnetists and dynamo theoreticians may both benefit from the results and arguments presented by the other. A particular example is the presentation of paleomagnetic results to illuminate the observational constraints on geodynamo theory. Conversely, dynamo theory is explained in such a way that paleomagnetists may utilize it to present their data more effectively. Other important features of the book include a discussion of planetary magnetic fields and their implications for dynamo theory and the most recent set of magnetic charts. The discovery of geomagnetic field reversals has been one of the most significant findings of paleomagnetism. The development of the Geomagnetic Polarity Timescale has led to it becoming an important dating tool. Analysis of the statistical properties of this timescale has led to some of the most effective observational constraints on geodynamo theory. The book provides an in-depth review of the development and implications of this fascinating aspect of paleomagnetism.Three internationally recognized experts in geomagnetism and paleomagnetism have joined to create a unique text that integrates these topics with dynamo theory. The text is written in such a way that readers with a background in any one of these fields can appreciate and understand related topics in the other disciplines. A comprehensive introduction is given to each topic, which is then carried through to a current state-of-the-art review. Although some of the advanced aspects of dynamo theory require a thorough mathematical background, the development in the book is done in such a way that most of the material should be accessible to those without a strong mathematical background. Content: Preface Pages xiii-xiv R.T. Merrill, M.W. McElhinny, P.L. McFadden Chapter One History of geomagnetism and paleomagnetism Pages 1-18 Chapter Two The present geomagnetic field: Analysis and description from historical observations Pages 19-68 Chapter 3 Foundations of paleomagnetism Pages 69-114 Chapter Four The recent geomagnetic field: Paleomagnetic observations Pages 115-162 Chapter Five Reversals of the Earth's magnetic field Pages 163-215 Chapter Six The time-averaged paleomagnetic field Pages 217-263 Chapter Seven Processes and properties of the Earth's deep interior: Basic principles Pages 265-304 Chapter Eight Introduction to dynamo theory Pages 305-338 Chapter Nine Dynamo theory Pages 339-376 Chapter Ten The magnetic fields of the sun, moon, and planets Pages 377-407 Chapter 11 Examples of synthesis Pages 409-436 Appendix A SI and gaussian CGS units and conversion factors Pages 437-438 Appendix B Functions associated with spherical harmonics Pages 439-444 References Pages 445-507 Author index Pages 509-521 Index Pages 523-527 International geophysics series Pages 529-531 Renata Dmowska, James R. Holton Our knowledge of the Earth's field has developed over many centuries. Traditionally, the different aspects of geomagnetism, such as archeomagnetish, paleomagnetish, and the complex mathematics of dynamo theory, have been studied in isolation from each other. The Magnetic Field of the Earth draws together these major lines of inquiry into an integrated framework to highlight their interrelationships and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the geomagnetic field and its application to investigations of our planet's deep interior. Thereticians and observationalists will welcome the volume's unique approach. Topics involved in studies of the Earth's magnetic field and its secular variation range from the intricate observations of geomagnetism, to worldwide studies of archeomagnetism and paleomagnetism, through to the complex mathematics of dynamo theory. Traditionally these different aspects of geomagnetism have been studied and presented in isolation from each other. The Magnetic Field of the Earth draws together these major lines of inquiry into an integrated framework to highlight the interrelationships and thus to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the geomagnetic field. The text is