David Sandwell developed this advanced textbook over a period of nearly 30 years for his graduate course at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The book augments the classic textbook Geodynamics by Don Turcotte and Jerry Schubert, presenting more complex and foundational mathematical methods and approaches to geodynamics. The main new tool developed in the book is the multi-dimensional Fourier transform for solving linear partial differential equations. The book comprises nineteen chapters, including: the latest global data sets; quantitative plate tectonics; plate driving forces associated with lithospheric heat transfer and subduction; the physics of the earthquake cycle; postglacial rebound; and six chapters on gravity field development and interpretation. Each chapter has a set of student exercises that make use of the higher-level mathematical and numerical methods developed in the book. Solutions to the exercises are available online for course instructors, on request.

‘Advanced Geodynamics brings the unique perspective of a leading geophysicist to the solution of a wide array of problems in geodynamics. The approach emphasizes the use of advanced mathematics, in particular the Fourier transform, to obtain a quantitative understanding of the processes involved in shaping the Earth’s surface. The advanced mathematical approach not only enhances the elegance of the solutions, but it enables the consideration of many problems not accessible with less sophisticated mathematical methods. The choice of problems benefits from the deep physical insights of the author to their solutions. The book discusses the physical processes involved in plate tectonics and the earthquake cycle and provides the latest relevant observational data sets. An emphasis is also placed on the use of gravity data to learn about these processes. The book is the product of decades of teaching by the author and is a must read for students of the physics of the Earth with the appropriate mathematical background.’

Gerald Schubert - University of California, Los Angeles; co-author of Geodynamics

‘Most authors would find writing a sequel to Turcotte and Schubert’s classic book on Geodynamics a daunting task. Not so for David Sandwell, whose first book is a wonderful mix of observations and theory, elegant mathematics and a focus on the oceans and the Fourier method which together help illuminate some of the fundamental physical processes that underlie plate tectonics.’

Tony Watts - University of Oxford; author of Isostasy and Flexure of the Lithosphere

‘Advanced Geodynamics: The Fourier Transform Method by David Sandwell is a godsend for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and researchers actively engaged in the broad area of geodynamics. It complements the classic Geodynamics book by Turcotte & Schubert in a way nothing else could: by elevating the treatment to real, cutting-edge research problems via Fourier transforms that deliver simple and elegant solutions to complicated science problems.’

Paul Wessel - University of Hawaii