Introduction to Seismology

Peter M. Shearer

Now available from Cambridge University Press ( North American website or UK website).

Description of book (from CUP blurb)

This book provides an approachable and concise introduction to seismology theory. It clearly explains the fundamental concepts used in seismology, emphasizing intuitive understanding over lengthy derivations.

The topics covered include all that is needed for a comprehensive first course in seismology: stress/strain theory, the seismic wave equation, ray theory, tomography, reflection seismology, surface waves, source theory, anisotropy, and earthquake prediction. Detailed exercises follow each chapter, giving students the opportunity to apply the techniques they have learned to compute results of interest and to illustrate some of Earth's seismic properties. In several cases, computer subroutines are provided to assist with these exercises. Numerous illustrations accompany the text, including examples of seismograms and images of the global seismic wavefield.

This textbook is ideal for any introductory course in seismology taught to upper-division undergraduates or first-year graduate students and is especially suited for a one-semester class on seismology.

Subroutines for homework exercises

Copies of the subroutines LAYERXT and RTCOEF and a table of the PREM model are available via anonymous ftp to mahi.ucsd.edu in the /pub/Shearer/BOOK directory.

Corrigenda

Alas, nothing is perfect, including this book. Click here for a list of known typos and mistakes.

Return to Peter Shearer's homepage