Introduction to seismology

Markus Båth, a distinguished professor at the Seismological Institute in Uppsala, authored Introduction to Seismology to provide a comprehensive, rigorous foundation for students and researchers in the field. Published in 1973 by Birkhäuser, the work emerged during a pivotal era for earth sciences when seismic data collection and theoretical modeling were rapidly advancing, necessitating a cohesive textbook that bridged the gap between basic principles and practical geophysical applications.

The design of the volume reflects the technical, academic standards of mid-century scientific publishing, prioritizing clarity in mathematical derivation and illustrative diagrams. Båth aimed for a balanced approach that covered both the mechanics of earthquake waves and the instrumentation required to measure them. Upon its release, it was well-received within the global geophysical community for its structured pedagogy, becoming a standard reference for academic seismologists for many years.