Potential Theory in Gravity and Magnetic Applications

Richard J. Blakely
Cambridge University Press 1995

Hardcover: 441 pages, list $59.95, ISBN 0-521-41508-X
Paperback: 441 pages, list $34.95, ISBN 0-521-57547-8

This book bridges the gap between the classic texts on potential theory and modern books on applied geophysics. It begins with Newton's second law of motion and concludes with topics on state-of-the-art interpretations of gravity and magnetic data. It was published as part of the Stanford-Cambridge Program.

The introductory chapters discuss potential theory, with emphasis on those aspects important to earth scientists, such as Laplace's equation, Newtonian potential, magnetostatic and electrostatic fields, conduction of heat, and spherical harmonic analysis. Difficult concepts are illustrated with easily visualized examples from steady-state heat flow. Later chapters apply these theoretical concepts specifically to the interpretation of gravity and magnetic anomalies, with emphasis on anomalies caused by crustal and lithospheric sources. Many of these examples are drawn from the modern geophysical literature. Topics include regional and global fields, forward modeling, inverse methods, depth-to-source estimation, ideal bodies, analytical continuation, and spectral analysis.

The book contains over 100 black-and-white figures, problem sets at the end of each chapter, and exercises dispersed throughout the text. It also includes an appendix of Fortran subroutines to help illustrate practical application of theoretical concepts.

The book was initially published in hardcover in 1995. It was reprinted in paperback in 1996.

Additional information can be obtained from Cambridge University Press or by contacting the author at blakely@gauss.wr.usgs.gov.

Cambridge University Press (United Kingdom)

Cambridge University Press (North America)