This third edition provides a concise yet approachable introduction to seismic theory, designed as a first course for graduate students or advanced undergraduate students. It clearly explains the fundamental concepts, emphasizing intuitive understanding over lengthy derivations, and outlines the different types of seismic waves and how they can be used to resolve Earth structure and understand earthquakes. New material and updates have been added throughout, including ambient noise methods, shear-wave splitting, back-projection, migration and velocity analysis in reflection seismology, earthquake rupture directivity, and fault weakening mechanisms. A wealth of both reworked and new examples, review questions and computer-based exercises in MATLAB®/Python give students the opportunity to apply the techniques they have learned to compute results of interest and to illustrate Earth's seismic properties. More advanced sections, which are not needed to understand the other material, are flagged so that instructors or students pressed for time can skip them.

'This classic text is an excellent introduction to modern seismology. Its concise coverage of theory, imaginative problem sets, and innovative computer exercises make it an ideal resource for students and course leaders.' Ian D. Bastow, Imperial College London
'Peter M. Shearer's clear and engaging explanations enable students to approach concepts with physical intuition and easy-to-understand math. The exercises, some including Python and Matlab programs, provide valuable opportunities for students to deepen their working knowledge of the material.' Karen Fischer, Brown University, Rhode Island
'This new edition includes up-to-date revisions on Earth noise and its cross-correlation study, and on anisotropy. Both topics have moved from peripheral to the center of seismological research, and these chapters are welcome additions for students embarking on research projects.' Toshiro Tanimoto, University of California, Santa Barbara
'This elegant book combines basic seismic theory with approachable mathematical derivation, physical intuition, and practical examples for beginners in the field. Its concise yet insightful introduction to recent advances in seismology exposes students to a wide range of seismic research topics.' Qinya Liu, University of Toronto
Review of previous edition: '… a concise and practical survey text that does a fine job of covering the basics … it is ideally suited for an intermediate to advanced undergraduate class …' Rick Aster, Seismological Research Letters
Review of previous edition: '… Shearer has a knack for clear explanations and for making otherwise difficult concepts easy to understand …' Anne Sheehan, EOS
Review of previous edition: 'As an introductory course textbook for upper-level undergraduate students, it may be the best textbook available now.' Toshiro Tanimoto, Physics Today
Review of previous edition: 'The fundamental concepts are clearly explained, emphasizing intuitive understanding …' Applied Mechanics Reviews
Review of previous edition: '… an excellent introduction for non-seismologists to grasp concepts behind seismological techniques.' Hitoshi Kawakatsu, Episodes

Peter M. Shearer is Professor of Geophysics at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego. He has written over 200 scientific papers on various aspects of seismology, is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and is currently President of the Seismological Society of America. He has taught the introductory seismology class at Scripps for over twenty-five years.