Geophysics Today

Presents a collection of papers which appear in the September-October 2010 Geophysics special section, written by recognised experts in various areas of exploration geophysics, plus an additional group of papers drawn from Geophysics which address areas beyond those invited articles. The result is a snapshot of the state-of-the-art in the field.

This personalized narrative is both a technical and economic history showing how exploration geophysics evolved from simple scientific beginnings into a sophisticated science impacting civilization in diverse ways. It presents geophysics as an intriguing scientific and technical field full of sharp contrasts, revealing it as an unusual blend of the theoretical and the practical, the laboratory and the field, the nonprofit effort and the profit-making venture, a cornerstone of peace and an implement of war. Written by members of the profession well acquainted with many of the key actions and players, this book describes intriguing developments and applications that took place within three interrelated fields of earth physics-exploration geophysics, seismology, and oceanography-during the never-ending search for oil and natural gas. Stressing challenge and change, this chronicle is bracketed by two major flex points in Western civilization-the initial waging of deadly global war (1914-18) and the conclusion in the 1990s of the Cold War that threatened civilization with nuclear annihilation. It is a complex story of people and events that highlights the emergence of major industries on the international scene. The book is must reading for all practicing earth scientists and their families, investors in the industry, and people interested in economic geology, public and world affairs, military warfare, the history of science and technology, environmental sciences, and even outdoor adventure.

From the Foreword: "This series has provided workers in many fields with invaluable reference material and criticism." --Science Progress "Should be on the bookshelf of every geophysicist." --Physics Today "The entire series should be in the library of every group working in geophysics." --American Scientist

Geophysics is a comparatively young science which only evolved as a distinct discipline during the 19th century. However, its phenomena (like earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and lightning) had been objects of fear, curiosity and speculation since ancient times. In this book, Johan de Beer and his research team reveal that geophysical activity in South Africa can be traced back to as early as 1488. This is a truly astonishing revelation which deserves to be firmly entrenched as part of the country's proud history. The book also discusses the history and formation of South African geophysical institutions that made a huge and seldom acknowledged contribution to the technological development of southern Africa.