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Mantles of the Earth and terrestrial planets
1968, Phys. Earth Planet. Interiors 1, 302—304. North-Holland Publishing Company, Amsterdam
BOOK REVIEWS
Mantles of the Earth and Terrestrial Planets, edited by S. K. Runcorn, Interscience Publishers (John Wiley & Sons), London, New York, Sydney, 1967, 584 pp., 160 s. Papers presented at the NATO Advanced Study Institute, organized by the School of Physics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, 30 March—7 April 1966. During the last few years a good many volumes have appeared in which a number of distinguished scientists have co-operated to elucidate a more or less specific problem within the geophysical sciences (The Earth below the continents, the Earth-Moon System, the Earth’s Mantle, Magnetism and the Cosmos, Moon and Planets, to mention some of the best known); these are often in the form of a report from a symposium. To all geophysicists such books are of great value because very few scientists can be specialists in different fields but all wish to be kept informed about progress over a wide front, Another typical trend is that proper geophysics which here means the physics of the solid Earth and the science of planetary physics are going to be closely connected or in any case to have a mutually stimulating effect. The book presented here is a product of these two lines developing within geophysics. There are 54 contributors representing the latest knowledge up to early 1966. The date is emphasized because for some of the subjects time has already overrun the papers given which of course is no fault of the authors in question, but is a symptom of the desperate rate at which mankind collects information today. Few people will read the book from cover to cover but will rather use it for reference. For this purpose the volume is very conveniently split up into chapters centered on specific topics. An author index as well as an exhaustive subject index facilitate the use of the volume as an encyclopaedia. The separate chapters deserve a few words of cornment. For the greater part it may be said that the main stress has been laid on surveying present knowledge on the theme in question rather than on presenting new results. But the list of references after every paper —
—
—
enables the reader to find the original publications, scattered over a vast number of periodicals. Unfortunately it is not possible to mention all the papers. The survey given here will show, however, in how richly varied a way the topics on the mantles have been presented. Chapter I, Evidencefrom meteorites and cosmochemistry (WooD, REED, KERRIDGE, LAMMERZAHL, GRJEBINE), comprises 74 pages and is an example of the fact mentioned above, that studying the Earth involves studying its environments as well. Chapter II, Determination of basic physical constants of the planets (WILKINS, DOLLFUS, JEFFREYS, ECKERT) runs to 30 pages. The title of the chapter promises perhaps a little too much, the word “planets” meaning here only Mars and the Moon but these two celestial bodies give rise to enough problems themselves. Chapter III, Radial variation ofphysical properties in planetary interiors (THIRLAWAY, MCKENZIE, ANDERSON and PHINNEY, BULLEN) has its 30 pages divided into two sub-chapters, viz, the Earth (abstracts only) and the terrestrial planets. It is interesting here as in many other places in the book to have the possibility to compare various authors working with the same problems but using different tools. For instance it is stimulating to compare Anderson and Phinney’s paper on the thermal history of the planets with what was said in Chapter I by Wood, taking into consideration the evidence from the meteorites. Chapter IV, Physical evidence for non-hydrostatic conditions in the planets (ALLAN, ANDERLE, VOGEL, RUNCORN and GRAY, HOPMAN, CALAME), 46 pages, is also split into two sections dealing with the Earth and the Moon. The first two authors attack the same problem, geoid-mapping by aid of satellite observations, giving a picture of the potential without any interpretation of the results. In the section on the Moon we find also pure metrology, but with some attempts at explanation as well. Chapter V. Planetary rotation (THOMSON, RASOOL, BELLOMO et a!., ALFVEN, GOLDREICH and PEALE, GOLDREICH), about 30 pages, includes all the planets into the
302
—
BOOK REVIEWS
realm of investigation. Some of the papers lead up to the papers in the next chapter. Chapter VI, The origin of the Moon (RUNCORN, GERSTENKORN,
ALFvEN, BERLAGE, UREY,
BULLEN),
occupies 40 pages. Of special interest is to have sideby-side clear and cogent presentations of theories which are absolutely incompatible. Here is really an opportunity to compare and weigh against each other the various viewpoints, the original arguments for which are to be found in so many different places that only larger libraries will possess them all. If a student should wish to qualify in the problem of the Moon’s origin he could begin his study in no better way than by reading this chapter. Chapter VII, Geochemical evidence on the nature of the Earth’s mantle (SCHILLING and WINCHESTER, NICI-IOLS, HARRIS, GAST, ERNST), 62 pages, is the only chapter, which has to do only with the Earth and it has, therefore, no subdivision, Chapter VIII, Surface evidence relating to planetary evolution (HOSPERS, CREER, SYKES, GAUGLER, RONCA, MARCUS, RUNCORN, MCCAULEY, FIELDER, RONCA), is the most voluminous of the chapters, comprising 148 pages. It is divided into three sub-chapters, the Earth, Mars and the Moon. In the section on the Earth we find among other valuable contributions a survey and synthesis of worldwide palaeomagnetic data available today, a paper which very much adds to the value of the volume as a handbook. Mars is viewed through the spectacles of Mariner IV and its figure is discussed as well cornparison here with the content of Chapter IV is fertile, The common features of the Moon and Mars are also discussed, Chapter IX, Thermal convection in planets (GIRDLER, COODE, GROSS, TRITTON and ZARRAGA, ALLAN et al., RUNCORN, ELDER, GIRDLER), has four sections in its 84 pages on observational clues, laboratory experiments, theories and heat flow, Stating the headings of the sub-chapters is stating at the same time the great problems which are here attacked; the rift system, the trenches and the evaluation of surface-features in spherical harmonics (N.B. without any reference to Prey or to Vening Meinesz). The last paper in the book is again a review, this time on our present knowledge of heat flow. Being a good scientist is not exactly the same thing —
303
as being a good writer. However, it seems as if the gathering in Newcastle has been one of people who have not only the knowledge but also the capability to write about it in an excellent way. It is impossible for a reviewer to tell if any influence from the editor has produced this satisfactory result. In any case, the book is good to read for its content of current information, is good to have on one’s shelf for reference purposes, and gives the reader real pleasure by showing that scientific writing can be a literary art as well. It may be added that the book has an extremely attractive layout and appearance. Professor Runcorn is to be congratulated for the work. Henry Jensen
Principles of Physical Geology, Arthur Holmes. (New and Fully Revised Edition) Thomas Nelson & Sons Ltd., London, 1966, 1288 pages. Holmes’ “Physical Geology” is a scientific classic, recently published in a much enlarged second edition. Many geophysicists learned their geology from the first edition and have awaited with much anticipated pleasure the appearance of the second edition, unfortunately followed so soon by the death of its author. It is a very desirable corrective to the narrower views of geology which have been current during this century, alas even in Universities. Holmes sees the visible record in the Earth’s crust as basic evidence for theories of the evolution of the whole Earth and solar system. The book is also a corrective for the narrow view of geophysics which has also been current: too often a rather arid exercise in rather dull mathematics. Holmes with true insight puts his finger so often on the significant facts about the Earth and points the way to physical solutions. Nowhere is this more evident than in his original suggestion of thermal convection as the mechanism for mountain building: he saw that the motions seen by the geologist in the crust must be derived from the internal heat generated—how else but by convection? In its early stage this was not a process capable of exact mathematical expression and was therefore ignored by many geophysicists. The second edition is up to date in its subject matter. Holmes was remarkably appreciative of new develop-
BOOK REVIEWS
Mantles of the Earth and Terrestrial Planets, edited by S. K. Runcorn, Interscience Publishers (John Wiley & Sons), London, New York, Sydney, 1967, 584 pp., 160 s. Papers presented at the NATO Advanced Study Institute, organized by the School of Physics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, 30 March—7 April 1966. During the last few years a good many volumes have appeared in which a number of distinguished scientists have co-operated to elucidate a more or less specific problem within the geophysical sciences (The Earth below the continents, the Earth-Moon System, the Earth’s Mantle, Magnetism and the Cosmos, Moon and Planets, to mention some of the best known); these are often in the form of a report from a symposium. To all geophysicists such books are of great value because very few scientists can be specialists in different fields but all wish to be kept informed about progress over a wide front, Another typical trend is that proper geophysics which here means the physics of the solid Earth and the science of planetary physics are going to be closely connected or in any case to have a mutually stimulating effect. The book presented here is a product of these two lines developing within geophysics. There are 54 contributors representing the latest knowledge up to early 1966. The date is emphasized because for some of the subjects time has already overrun the papers given which of course is no fault of the authors in question, but is a symptom of the desperate rate at which mankind collects information today. Few people will read the book from cover to cover but will rather use it for reference. For this purpose the volume is very conveniently split up into chapters centered on specific topics. An author index as well as an exhaustive subject index facilitate the use of the volume as an encyclopaedia. The separate chapters deserve a few words of cornment. For the greater part it may be said that the main stress has been laid on surveying present knowledge on the theme in question rather than on presenting new results. But the list of references after every paper —
—
—
enables the reader to find the original publications, scattered over a vast number of periodicals. Unfortunately it is not possible to mention all the papers. The survey given here will show, however, in how richly varied a way the topics on the mantles have been presented. Chapter I, Evidencefrom meteorites and cosmochemistry (WooD, REED, KERRIDGE, LAMMERZAHL, GRJEBINE), comprises 74 pages and is an example of the fact mentioned above, that studying the Earth involves studying its environments as well. Chapter II, Determination of basic physical constants of the planets (WILKINS, DOLLFUS, JEFFREYS, ECKERT) runs to 30 pages. The title of the chapter promises perhaps a little too much, the word “planets” meaning here only Mars and the Moon but these two celestial bodies give rise to enough problems themselves. Chapter III, Radial variation ofphysical properties in planetary interiors (THIRLAWAY, MCKENZIE, ANDERSON and PHINNEY, BULLEN) has its 30 pages divided into two sub-chapters, viz, the Earth (abstracts only) and the terrestrial planets. It is interesting here as in many other places in the book to have the possibility to compare various authors working with the same problems but using different tools. For instance it is stimulating to compare Anderson and Phinney’s paper on the thermal history of the planets with what was said in Chapter I by Wood, taking into consideration the evidence from the meteorites. Chapter IV, Physical evidence for non-hydrostatic conditions in the planets (ALLAN, ANDERLE, VOGEL, RUNCORN and GRAY, HOPMAN, CALAME), 46 pages, is also split into two sections dealing with the Earth and the Moon. The first two authors attack the same problem, geoid-mapping by aid of satellite observations, giving a picture of the potential without any interpretation of the results. In the section on the Moon we find also pure metrology, but with some attempts at explanation as well. Chapter V. Planetary rotation (THOMSON, RASOOL, BELLOMO et a!., ALFVEN, GOLDREICH and PEALE, GOLDREICH), about 30 pages, includes all the planets into the
302
—
BOOK REVIEWS
realm of investigation. Some of the papers lead up to the papers in the next chapter. Chapter VI, The origin of the Moon (RUNCORN, GERSTENKORN,
ALFvEN, BERLAGE, UREY,
BULLEN),
occupies 40 pages. Of special interest is to have sideby-side clear and cogent presentations of theories which are absolutely incompatible. Here is really an opportunity to compare and weigh against each other the various viewpoints, the original arguments for which are to be found in so many different places that only larger libraries will possess them all. If a student should wish to qualify in the problem of the Moon’s origin he could begin his study in no better way than by reading this chapter. Chapter VII, Geochemical evidence on the nature of the Earth’s mantle (SCHILLING and WINCHESTER, NICI-IOLS, HARRIS, GAST, ERNST), 62 pages, is the only chapter, which has to do only with the Earth and it has, therefore, no subdivision, Chapter VIII, Surface evidence relating to planetary evolution (HOSPERS, CREER, SYKES, GAUGLER, RONCA, MARCUS, RUNCORN, MCCAULEY, FIELDER, RONCA), is the most voluminous of the chapters, comprising 148 pages. It is divided into three sub-chapters, the Earth, Mars and the Moon. In the section on the Earth we find among other valuable contributions a survey and synthesis of worldwide palaeomagnetic data available today, a paper which very much adds to the value of the volume as a handbook. Mars is viewed through the spectacles of Mariner IV and its figure is discussed as well cornparison here with the content of Chapter IV is fertile, The common features of the Moon and Mars are also discussed, Chapter IX, Thermal convection in planets (GIRDLER, COODE, GROSS, TRITTON and ZARRAGA, ALLAN et al., RUNCORN, ELDER, GIRDLER), has four sections in its 84 pages on observational clues, laboratory experiments, theories and heat flow, Stating the headings of the sub-chapters is stating at the same time the great problems which are here attacked; the rift system, the trenches and the evaluation of surface-features in spherical harmonics (N.B. without any reference to Prey or to Vening Meinesz). The last paper in the book is again a review, this time on our present knowledge of heat flow. Being a good scientist is not exactly the same thing —
303
as being a good writer. However, it seems as if the gathering in Newcastle has been one of people who have not only the knowledge but also the capability to write about it in an excellent way. It is impossible for a reviewer to tell if any influence from the editor has produced this satisfactory result. In any case, the book is good to read for its content of current information, is good to have on one’s shelf for reference purposes, and gives the reader real pleasure by showing that scientific writing can be a literary art as well. It may be added that the book has an extremely attractive layout and appearance. Professor Runcorn is to be congratulated for the work. Henry Jensen
Principles of Physical Geology, Arthur Holmes. (New and Fully Revised Edition) Thomas Nelson & Sons Ltd., London, 1966, 1288 pages. Holmes’ “Physical Geology” is a scientific classic, recently published in a much enlarged second edition. Many geophysicists learned their geology from the first edition and have awaited with much anticipated pleasure the appearance of the second edition, unfortunately followed so soon by the death of its author. It is a very desirable corrective to the narrower views of geology which have been current during this century, alas even in Universities. Holmes sees the visible record in the Earth’s crust as basic evidence for theories of the evolution of the whole Earth and solar system. The book is also a corrective for the narrow view of geophysics which has also been current: too often a rather arid exercise in rather dull mathematics. Holmes with true insight puts his finger so often on the significant facts about the Earth and points the way to physical solutions. Nowhere is this more evident than in his original suggestion of thermal convection as the mechanism for mountain building: he saw that the motions seen by the geologist in the crust must be derived from the internal heat generated—how else but by convection? In its early stage this was not a process capable of exact mathematical expression and was therefore ignored by many geophysicists. The second edition is up to date in its subject matter. Holmes was remarkably appreciative of new develop-