Skip to main content

Books in Earth and planetary sciences

Elsevier's Earth and Planetary Sciences collection brings together pioneering research on the complexities of our planet and beyond. Covering topics from Earth's structural dynamics and ecosystems to planetary exploration, these titles support advancements in geoscience, environmental science, and space studies, offering essential insights for researchers, professionals, and students.

  • Introduction to Volcanic Hazards Quantification

    • 1st Edition
    • Jacopo Selva + 1 more
    • English
    Introduction to Volcanic Hazards Quantification describes the fundamentals of volcanic hazard quantification, which forecasts future potential intensity of volcanic activity. The book closely examines the modeling and forecasting techniques that make up Probabilistic Volcanic Hazard Analysis (PVHA). Sections introduce the fundamentals of modeling for different eruptive and non-eruptive phenomena that characterize volcanic activity, including volcanic ballistics and tephra fallout, volcanic gas dispersal, pyroclastic density currents, lava flows and lava domes, lahar and debris flows, and volcanic tsunamis. This book provides a much-needed reference on volcanic hazard quantification for those working to forecast volcanic activity as well as manage emergency preparedness.Additio... content covers existing statistical tools for forecasting volcanic activity and managing uncertainties, ranging from methods adopted for both short-term forecasts and long-term models. Finally, several case studies are presented, with examples in the area of Naples, which is threatened by three active volcanoes (Mt. Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei, and Ischia), Mt Etna in Sicily, and volcanic islands such as Ischia and Vulcano in the Aeolian Islands.
  • Advanced Laboratory Testing in Geotechnical Engineering

    From Concepts to Methods
    • 1st Edition
    • Hamed Sadeghi + 1 more
    • English
    Advanced Laboratory Testing in Geotechnical Engineering: From Concepts to Methods provides a comprehensive exploration of advanced laboratory techniques essential for understanding soil behavior and properties. The book begins by establishing the scope, significance, and practical applications of laboratory testing. It outlines the general requirements for conducting accurate and reliable soil tests, emphasizing the importance of standardized practices. Chapters focus on various aspects of laboratory testing, starting with soil sampling and preservation procedures to maintain sample integrity. A range of soil mechanics tests are covered, including conventional tests, dynamic and cyclic tests, and specialized tests for unsaturated soils to study their unique behavior. Flow characteristics and retention capacity of soils are analyzed to understand their response under different moisture conditions, and physical modeling tests provide insights into soil behavior under simulated conditions while microstructural characterization techniques offer a detailed examination of soil structure. By offering a comprehensive overview of advanced laboratory testing methods in geotechnical engineering, this book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and practitioners seeking to enhance their understanding of soil mechanics and geotechnical behavior.
  • Handbook of Satellite Land Products

    • 1st Edition
    • Shunlin Liang + 1 more
    • English
    Handbook of Satellite Land Products compiles the key information of as many satellite products as possible for each essential land variable. It provides a comprehensive list of openly accessible high-level satellite products that characterize the essential land surface variables of the Earth system, including the original data sources, inversion algorithms, product characteristics, validation accuracy, and any existing applications. Each product includes satellite data inversion methodology and high-level product generation and application information, allowing for comparison of different products and selection of the correct ones for different applications.This book will help researchers, professors, and graduate students grasp the knowledge of existing satellite land products, understand the advantages and limitations, and follow the practical application examples.
  • Subsurface Data Assimilation

    Theory and Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Xiaodong Luo + 2 more
    • English
    Subsurface Data Assimilation: Theory and Applications provides a comprehensive exploration of data assimilation algorithms applied to subsurface characterization and monitoring. The book begins by establishing the theoretical foundations of data assimilation methods, including multilevel data assimilation, coupled data assimilation with machine learning, and generative neural networks for geological parameterization. It also introduces Latent-Space Data Assimilation (LSDA), leveraging deep learning for feature-based analysis and forecasting, and geostatistical seismic inversion techniques. The second part of the book looks into the practical applications of data assimilation in various subsurface problems. Chapters explore CO2 monitoring, geologic CO2 sequestration, and the use of data assimilation for earthquake or CO2 storage scenarios. Hierarchical data assimilation procedures for carbon storage with uncertain geological scenarios are discussed, along with applications of data assimilation in geothermal energy contexts. The book also addresses practical uncertainty management practices and challenges related to CO2 storage and geothermal energy projects. By combining theoretical foundations with real-world applications, this book serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in the field of subsurface data assimilation, offering insights into cutting-edge methods and their practical implications for subsurface characterization and monitoring.
  • The Geoinformatics Frontier

    AI, Big Data, and Crowdsourced Technologies
    • 1st Edition
    • Kleomenis Kalogeropoulos + 3 more
    • English
    The Geoinformatics Frontier: AI, Big Data, and Crowdsourced Technologies tackles the critical challenge of integrating Geoinformatics, AI, Big Data, and VGI; offering a comprehensive introduction to these pivotal concepts, the book elucidates their foundations and relevance to Geoinformatics. It approaches builds on the theory discussed with practical guidance, examples, and detailed case studies; equipping readers with the knowledge needed to effectively implement them. The book presents case studies spanning various sectors, showcasing how the technologies can be successfully employed to address intricate spatial issues and facilitate well-informed decision-making for the complexities of managing large-scale spatial datasets. It also provides indispensable insights into data collection, storage, quality control, and fusion techniques, offering practical solutions to the challenges of data storage, processing, and analysis. The Geoinformatics Frontier serves as an indispensable guide, bridging the gap in understanding and practice for geospatial scientists, empowering readers to harness the transformative potential of Geoinformatics and advanced computer technologies.
  • The Theory of Cosmic Ray Modulation

    • 1st Edition
    • Du Toit Strauss + 1 more
    • English
    The Theory of Cosmic Ray Modulation concretely lays out the current understanding of cosmic ray particle interactions, offering a comprehensive introduction to the underlying theory, observational data, and practical applications that have implications for various fields, including high-energy astrophysics, space weather, and cosmogenic isotope studies. The book provides a solid theoretical foundation, explaining the physical processes involved in cosmic ray modulation. It delves into mathematical details with meticulous explanations and applies them to topics ranging from the implications of cosmic rays in space-based anti-matter research to their role in studying solar variability over timescales, and even in planetary habitability.This book not only provides a solid foundation for research but also offers wider perspectives on the impact of cosmic rays in our understanding of the universe. With its strong underlying theory and up-to-date coverage, it is a must-read for anyone actively working in the field of cosmic rays or on fields influenced by charged particle physics.
  • Fractal Soil Mechanics

    • 1st Edition
    • Yongfu Xu
    • English
    Fractal Soil Mechanics, Second Edition presents a detailed approach to understanding soil behavior by applying fractal geometry to characterize soil structure and mechanics. Drawing on over 30 years of research, the author develops original fractal models that link the micro-scale complexity of soil pores and particle fragmentation to macro-scale mechanical properties. The book systematically explores fractal dimensions of soil surfaces and particles, methods for their determination, and their application in modeling unsaturated soil mechanics, effective stress principles, swelling behavior of expansive soils, and shear strength criteria. Through comprehensive theoretical development, experimental data analysis, and numerical simulations, the book offers fresh insights into soil-water interactions, scaling laws, and critical state behavior, providing a robust framework for researchers and engineers to predict soil performance with greater accuracy. The book equips researchers, postgraduate students, and practicing engineers with innovative tools and perspectives to tackle complex soil mechanics problems, bridging the gap between empirical soil mechanics and microstructural analysis.
  • Baseline Geoscience Data Generation for Sustainable Exploration of Natural Resources

    • 1st Edition
    • O.P. Mishra + 1 more
    • English
    Baseline Geoscience Data Generation for Sustainable Exploration of Natural Resources offers a comprehensive examination of the critical role that baseline geoscience data plays in the sustainable exploration of natural resources. The book highlights the importance of global geophysical mapping as a catalyst for mineral exploration, providing an overview of various geophysical techniques essential for generating baseline data. It explores advanced methodologies in potential field surveying, geoelectrical surveying, electromagnetic techniques, and remote sensing, underscoring their applications in sustainable resource management. The text also examines geospatial surveying techniques, including GIS and GPS, and introduces innovative drone-based geoscientific surveying methods that enhance data collection efficiency. Additionally, the book covers seismic surveying techniques and marine mineral resource exploration, offering a global perspective on national geophysical mapping programs and their significance in mineral exploration. Through case studies and practical applications, readers gain insights into effective data acquisition planning and strategies for utilizing geophysical applications in mineral exploration. The discussion on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, emphasizes the need for ethical considerations in resource exploration. Ultimately, this book serves as a valuable resource for geoscientists, researchers, and industry professionals, illustrating how robust baseline geoscience data generation is essential for sustainable exploration and responsible management of our natural resources.
  • Foundations of Geophysical Electromagnetic Theory and Methods

    • 3rd Edition
    • Michael S. Zhdanov
    • English
    Foundations of Geophysical Electromagnetic Theory and Methods provides a comprehensive and unified treatment of electromagnetic (EM) theory and its applications in geophysics. The third edition incorporates more than a decade of advances in theoretical developments, numerical modeling, and practical EM surveying, while maintaining the clarity and rigor of previous editions. The book begins with an introduction to field theory, including the differential calculus of vector fields and foundational principles underlying classical electromagnetic formulations. It then reviews the core elements of EM theory, covering Maxwell’s equations, models of EM induction in the Earth, and the behavior of electromagnetic fields in heterogeneous media. Subsequent chapters address the inversion and imaging of EM data, discussing the theory of ill-posed inverse problems, regularization strategies, electromagnetic inversion methodologies, and migration techniques used to construct subsurface images. The volume then turns to applied geophysical methods, examining the electromagnetic properties of rocks and minerals, the generation and measurement of EM fields, and survey techniques across a range of domains, including direct current, induced polarization, natural-field EM, controlled-source EM, and marine and airborne EM methods. A set of case studies illustrates the practical use of EM methods in geophysics, including mineral and energy resource exploration. Taken together, this edition serves as a comprehensive reference for geoscientists, physicists, and students seeking an in-depth understanding of geophysical electromagnetic theory, numerical methods, and their diverse applications.
  • Naming the Universe

    An Etymological Dictionary of Physics, Mathematics and Space Sciences
    • 1st Edition
    • Lorenzo Iorio
    • English
    Naming the Universe: An Etymological Dictionary of Physics, Mathematics and Space Sciences explores the Greek and Latin roots of scientific terminology used in physics, astronomy, and planetary sciences. It addresses the need for precise etymological understanding to improve clarity and communication in advanced research and education. The book systematically traces the origins of key terms, providing accurate translations, historical context, and visual aids like diagrams and figures of celestial bodies and concepts. Organized into chapters covering general terms, experimental techniques, mathematics, physics, optics, astronomy, and planetary features, it offers a comprehensive resource for researchers, educators, and students alike.By deepening understanding of scientific language’s historical foundations, the book enhances terminology mastery, supports pedagogical efforts, and fosters interdisciplinary knowledge, making it an invaluable tool for those seeking a richer comprehension of scientific concepts rooted in classical languages.