The authors introduce geomathematics as an active research area to a
wider audience.
Chapter 1 presents an introduction to the Earth as a system to apply
scientific methods. Emphasis is laid on transfers from virtual models to
reality and vice versa.
In the second chapter geomathematics is introduced as a new scientific
area which nevertheless has its roots in antiquity. The modern
conception of geomathematics is outlined from different points of view
and its challenging nature is described as well as its
interdisciplinarity. Geomathematics is shown as the bridge between the
real world and the virtual world. The complex mathematical tools are
shown from a variety of fields necessary to tackle geoscientific
problems in the mathematical language.
Chapter 3 contains some exemplary applications as novel exploration
methods. Particular importance is laid on the change of language when it
comes to translate measurements to mathematical models. New solution
methods like the multiscale mollifier technique are presented. Further
applications discussed are aspects of reflection seismics.
Chapter 4 is devoted to the short description of recent activities in
geomathematics.
The Appendix (Chapter 5) is devoted to the GEM - International Journal
on Geomathematics founded ten years ago. Besides a detailed structural
analysis of the editorial goals an index of all papers published in
former issues is given.
