The Earth's mantle : composition, structure, and evolution /

This book is likely to become a much-cited reference in years to come. It brings together in one volume the latest knowledge and theory concerning the origin, history, internal structure, and mechanics of Earth's mantle. Each of the 11 chapters has an author or pair of authors already well known for their expertise in the subject area. Editor Jackson has nicely balanced and coordinated the encyclopedic information present. Chapter 1, "The Composition of the Silicate Earth and Its Implications," is informative and comprehensive enough to be a book in its own right. This reviewer is already revising lecture notes based on reading this chapter and the one on mantle convection. Two warnings are in order: some of the ideas presented are still controversial; the reader needs a solid geology background to understand most of the concepts presented. This book is definitely not for beginners. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. C. W. Dimmick; Central Connecticut State University