This graduate textbook presents a comprehensive, unified treatment of the materials science of deformation as applied to solid Earth geophysics and geology. The deformation of Earth materials is presented in a systematic way covering elastic, anelastic and viscous deformation. Advanced discussions on relevant debates are also included to bring readers a full picture of science in this interdisciplinary area. This textbook is ideal for graduate courses on the rheology and dynamics of solid Earth, and includes review questions with solutions so readers can monitor their understanding of the material presented. It is also a much-needed reference for geoscientists in many fields including geology, geophysics, geochemistry, materials science, mineralogy and ceramics.

'… a welcome addition to textbooks dealing with experimental rock mechanics and its application to natural rock deformation. … provides by far the most comprehensive and authoritative treatment of this field in recent years. … its greatest value lies in the drawing together of traditional topics together with more recent developments such as the thermodynamic aspects of rock deformation and links with whole-Earth geodynamics. This is combined with a clear writing style and excellent illustrations to make this an essential addition to a researcher's bookshelf.'

Source: Geological Magazine