Introduction to Earth Sciences

Geophysics is concerned with the physical processes and properties of the Earth and its surrounding environment, and with the use of quantitative methods for their analysis. This book provides the general public, including students, faculties, and universities with a comprehensive presentation of geophysics suitable for first year undergraduate classes. The key focus is to familiarize readers with the concepts of elastic and electromagnetic wave propagation, which are central to geophysical studies. Elastic waves and electromagnetic waves are two important ways that energy is transported in the world around us. These important concepts are presented through examples giving readers a more comprehensive understanding of geophysics and what geophysicists do. Special focus is on earthquakes, volcanoes, energy resources, and climate which are the present and future challenges of our times.