Tensors of Geophysics Vol.2: Generalized functions (Geophysical References No. 7)

It is reasonable to present advanced concepts in undergraduate courses without rigor to make the courses more exciting and to give the students a preview of graduate research and education. Unfortunately, this strategy has its price. When these concepts are presented in the undergraduate environment, it is necessary to present them in such a superficial manner that they are often not viable, i.e., the student cannot build on the knowledge acquired without more help than is usually available. In this volume, the authors attempt to provide aspiring theoretical geophysicists some of that help. Some of this help is presented via generalized functions and more of it is presented via generic coordinate systems. Both of these recent mathematical developments are introduced in this volume, the second in a series of five Tensors of Geophysics volumes. The authors explain how generalized functions, or distributions, allow one to simplify some applied logic by providing the ability to treat singular functions beyond the intuitive level. They show how Fourier theory can be unified by means of distributions. The logic of 1-D distributions is shown to be easily developed to that of N-D distributions. The theory of Cartesian views of tensors presented in Tensors of Geophysics for Mavericks and Mongrels is expanded to include all views, i.e., all coordinate systems. This leads to a lengthy study of the role of Hansen vectors in elastic wave theory. Cylinder functions, e.g., Bessel functions, are developed at some length. The discussion includes the Hankel transform, appropriate and convenient when the independent variable is offset. Curves and surfaces are viewed via tensors. Classical rules of spherical trigonometry are presented, and the reader is afforded a peek at some of the mathematics of relativity.Also available: The Boundary Element Method in Geophysics - ISBN 1560801506 Numerical Modeling of Seismic Wave Propagation (Geophysics Reprints Series, No 13) - ISBN 1560800119