Abstract

An essential book for all students and scientists in the field, Part A of Geophysical Field Theory and Method describes the physical and mathematical principles of geophysical methods, specifically the behavior of gravitational, electrical, and magnetic fields. The broader use of these methods underlines the far-reaching appeal of this book. Oil and mineral prospecting, solving groundwater and engineering problems, and well-logging are just some of the activities which involve geophysical methods. Parts B and C will be devoted to the theory of fields and applied to electromagnetic, seismic, nuclear, and geothermal methods.
Presents physical principles of geophysical methods
Covers physical laws which govern field behavior and their areas of application
Examines the influence of a medium on a field, and the distribution of field generators
Presents formulation of conditions when physical laws cannot be used directly for field calculations
Examines systems of field equations and their neccesity when some of the field generators are unknown
Explains the formulation of boundary value problems and their importance in determining the field
Features auxiliary fields and their role in field theory
Presents approximate methods of field calculation
The major contribution of this book is the theoretical treatment of several important geophysical problems and methods which have scant recognition elsewhere....Many interesting cases and examples are presented....This is a valuable book in exploration geophysics, and will also be useful to persons in related fields.
--THE RADIOSCIENTIST
The book makes a valuable contribution to the geophysical literature. It could serve as an excellent textbook for geophysics undergraduates and postgraduates and would also be of use as a reference book for specialists.
--GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
This is a valuable book in exploration geophysics, and will also be useful to persons in related fields.
--Dr. John S. Sumner, Department of Geosciences The University of Arizona
This unique volume has been written by Alexander Kaufman, a renowned expert in geophysics at the Colorado School of Mines. I consider this work to be unique as I do not know of any other book in the world geophysical literature where the philosophy of modern geophysics is presented with such clarity, comprehensiveness and pedagogical skill. It provides great insights into the nature of the gravitational, magnetic, electric and electromagnetic fields used in geophysics, and helps the reader to understand the fundamental factors that determine their applicability...The book makes a valuable contribution to the geophysical literature. It could serve as an excellent textbook for geophysics undergraduates and postgraduates and would also be of use as a reference book for specialists.
--Mark N. Berdichevsky, Moscow State University
This is an excellent text in geophysical field theory which includes a comprehensive description of the theory of fields as applied to gravity, electrical, and magnetic exploration methods...is well-illustrated, and clearly written reference source which is very suitable for use by field theory specialists in universities, students, and those involved in research. It is an invaluable text for anyone who wants to learn the physical principles for calculating fields as applied to gravity, electrical, and magnetic exploration methods.
--Jorge O. Parra, Southwest Research Institute, GEOPHYSICS 1993