Mechanics in the Earth and Environmental Sciences

ISBN-13: 9780521446693 / Angielski / Miękka / 1994 / 476 str.

Gerard V. Middleton; Peter R. Wilcock

Opis

The study of the Earth and the environment requires an understanding of the physical processes within and at the surface of the Earth. This book will allow the student to develop a broad working knowledge of mechanics and its application to the earth and environmental sciences. The mathematics are introduced at a level that assumes only an understanding of first-year calculus. The concepts are then developed to allow an understanding of the basic physics for a wide range of natural processes. These are illustrated by examples from many real situations, such as the application of the theory of flow through porous media to the study of groundwater, the viscosity of fluids to the flow of lava, and the theory of stress to the study of faults. The breadth of topics will allow students and professionals to gain an insight into the workings of many aspects of the Earth's systems.

Recenzje

'This is a very good book, and goes a long way in presenting a much-needed dose of mechanics at a level appropriate for many students in the earth sciences. This book should be in any library, and the paperback version is a good buy for personal use.' James P. Evans, Journal of Structural Geology

Spis treści

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Review of elementary mechanics; 3. Dimensional analysis and theory of models; 4. Stress; 5. Pressure, buoyancy and consolidation; 6. Flow through porous media; 7. Strain; 8. Elasticity; 9. Viscous fluids; 10. Flow of natural materials; 11. Turbulence; 12. Thermal convection; Appendices; References.