Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geodynamics Series, Volume 1. The focus of the International Geodynamics Project, 1970–1979, was the movements of the surface and upper part of the earth's interior and it was recognized that most of the deformation occurs along narrow belts between the lithospheric plates. Also important to understanding earth process were those motions, primarily vertical that occurred within the plates, remote from plate boundaries. For this reason one of the 10 working groups set up in 1971 was working group 7 with the title "Eperogenic movements of regional extent" under the chairmanship of Dr. J. Tuzo Wilson. In 1974, after Dr. Wilson resigned following his retirement as Principal of Erindale College, University of Toronto, the Bureau of the Inter-Union Commission on Geodynamics appointed Dr. R. I. Walcott as chairman and the name of his working group was changed to "Dynamics of Plate Interiors". The objective of its programme was to determine the nature and origin of the dynamics of the more stable regions of the earth.

We live on a dynamic Earth shaped by both natural processes and the impacts of humans on their environment. It is in our collective interest to observe and understand our planet, and to predict future behavior to the extent possible, in order to effectively manage resources, successfully respond to threats from natural and human-induced environmental change, and capitalize on the opportunities â€" social, economic, security, and more â€" that such knowledge can bring. By continuously monitoring and exploring Earth, developing a deep understanding of its evolving behavior, and characterizing the processes that shape and reshape the environment in which we live, we not only advance knowledge and basic discovery about our planet, but we further develop the foundation upon which benefits to society are built. Thriving on Our Changing Planet presents prioritized science, applications, and observations, along with related strategic and programmatic guidance, to support the U.S. civil space Earth observation program over the coming decade.

In the early 1960s, the emergence of the theory of plate tectonics started a revolution in the earth sciences. Since then, scientists have verified and refined this theory, and now have a much better understanding of how our planet has been shaped by plate-tectonic processes. We now know that, directly or indirectly, plate tectonics influences nearly all geologic processes, past and present. Indeed, the notion that the entire Earth's surface is continually shifting has profoundly changed the way we view our world.

The purpose of the series is to compile and pass on the accumulated knowledge of regional geology that is being lost as generalists with field experience are replaced by specialists with computers. It is designed to appeal to both academic and petroleum geologists. In this third and final part of Volume One, geologists discuss extensional basins including rifts, passive margins, and inverted extensional basins. The chapters have a broadly similar layout, and where appropriate include a section on the petroleum system. They cover non-volcanic and transform passive margins, cratonic basins on pre-Cambrian and Paleozoic basements, and world maps. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

Treatise on Geophysics: Mantle Dynamics, Volume 7 aims to provide both a classical and state-of-the-art introduction to the methods and science of mantle dynamics, as well as survey leading order problems (both solved and unsolved) and current understanding of how the mantle works. It is organized around two themes: (1) how is mantle convection studied; and (2) what do we understand about mantle dynamics to date. The first four chapters are thus concerned with pedagogical reviews of the physics of mantle convection; laboratory studies of the fluid dynamics of convection relevant to the mantle; theoretical analysis of mantle dynamics; and numerical analysis and methods of mantle convection. The subsequent chapters concentrate on leading issues of mantle convection itself, which include the energy budget of the mantle; the upper mantle and lithosphere in and near the spreading center (mid-ocean ridge) environment; the dynamics of subducting slabs; hot spots, melting anomalies, and mantle plumes; and finally, geochemical mantle dynamics and mixing. - Self-contained volume starts with an overview of the subject then explores each topic in detail - Extensive reference lists and cross references with other volumes to facilitate further research - Full-color figures and tables support the text and aid in understanding - Content suited for both the expert and non-expert

A text which details the most important advance in earth sciences since the emergence of plate tectonics in the 1960s. Armed with the new techniques of seismic tomography, nine leading scientists in geophysical research present an experimental and theoretical description of the dynamics of the Earth's mantle. What emerges is a coherent modern theory of mantle convection leading to a greater understanding of both surface motions and large-scale structure of the Earth's interior.

Constitution of the Earth's Interior discusses the physical and evolutionary principles connecting various elements of the knowledge about structure and dynamics of the Earth's interior. This work is divided into eight chapters that primarily focus on the physical, chemical, and petrological state. This text contains general data on a general stationary model, which is described by equations of state combining the basic parameters, including pressure, temperature, density, gravity acceleration, and mineral composition within the Earth's interior. Considerable chapters concern the chemical and petrological composition of the matter in the Earth's interior. The remaining chapters describe models containing inhomogeneities used to illustrate processes connected with phase transitions. This book will be of great value to geologists, physicists, and researchers.