The Dynamics of Partially Molten Rock
A new book – The Dynamics of Partially Molten Rock by Richard Katz, Professor of Geodynamics has been published by Princeton University Press
A valuable synthesis of the physics of magmatism for students and scholars.
Princeton University Press explain that ‘The Dynamics of Partially Molten Rock’ offers a detailed overview that emphasizes the fundamental physical insights gained through an analysis of simplified problems. The book focuses on the partial melting of Earth’s asthenosphere, but the theory presented is also more broadly relevant to natural systems where partial melting occurs, including ice sheets and the deep crust, mantle, and core of Earth and other planetary bodies, as well as to rock-deformation experiments conducted in the laboratory. This textbook brings together such topics as fluid dynamics, rock mechanics, thermodynamics and petrology, geochemical transport, plate tectonics, and numerical modeling and end-of-chapter exercises and solutions as well as online Python notebooks provide material for courses at the advanced undergraduate or graduate level.
Rich said of the book ‘I wrote the book to teach students and scientists about the physics and mathematical theory of partially molten rock. The book aims to help them find and understand the research literature, and to advance the cutting edge with their own research. Not recommended for August beach reading, however.’