Rheology of the Earth : Deformation and Flow Processes in Geophysics and Geodynamics

Deformation and flow processes in geophysics and geodynamics. Rheology denotes the study of deformation and flow of matter; however, in common usage it is a general term that also covers the flow properties. Thus, for instance, one talks about the rheology of metals, of ice, or - as in the present case - the rheology of the Earth. As a subdiscipline of geology and geophysics, the rheology of the Earth therefore deals both with the methods of study of the mechanical properties of our planet and also with the mechanical properties themselves and their role in geodynamic processes. Deformation and flow of Earth materials are of primary importance in many brances of Earth science, from seismology to plate tectonics and planetary fluid dynamics. The aim of this book is to enable the student of geology and geophysics to acquire a clear understanding of the fundamentals of the subject, a precondition to dealing with the research literature and to carrying out independent work. It could therefore be a suitable text for postgraduate and senior undergraduate courses in Earth rheology, geodynamics, and tectonophysics, and useful additional reading for courses in physics of the Earth and structural geology. The research worker or student who reads it independently will also benefit.