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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.

  • 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.
  • 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 is a specialized reference exploring 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, it 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.
  • The Trench Biosphere at the Bottom of the Ocean

    Progress and Challenges
    • 1st Edition
    • Jiasong Fang + 2 more
    • English
    The Trench Biosphere at the Bottom of the Ocean: Progress and Challenges provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of the trench biosphere, examining the geological and physiochemical constraints on trench microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, fungi) and fauna, along with their molecular adaptation mechanisms to extreme conditions. Edited by experts in the field, the book addresses the presence of emerging and legacy environmental pollutants in trenches, state-of-the-art technologies and devices for sampling and analysis, and introduces a big-data platform for curating biological, genetic, and natural product resources in hadal trenches. A necessary guide for students and researchers in the field of Environmental Science, this book provides the latest information on biological processes and the biological and genetic resources found in the deep ocean.
  • Health Geography

    Innovative Geospatial Epidemiology
    • 1st Edition
    • Andreas Tsatsaris + 4 more
    • English
    Health Geography: Innovative Geospatial Epidemiology presents a comprehensive exploration of the fundamental principles and methodologies underpinning remote sensing for spatial epidemiology. Organised in two parts, the first delves into the methodology of utilizing cutting-edge remote sensing technologies to detect, analyze, and predict the spatial distribution of infectious diseases through the process of extracting critical information and creating accurate geospatial models for disease mapping and monitoring. The second part provides numerous case studies that illustrate the real-world applications and transformative potential of the interdisciplinary approaches, allowing the book to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation. Health Geography is an indispensable resource for researchers, practitioners, and graduate students in spatial epidemiology, geospatial sciences, and geostatistics seeking to utilize the potential of remote sensing technologies in tackling spatial epidemiological challenges.
  • Integrative Sensing Strategies for Disaster Management

    • 1st Edition
    • Danlin Yu + 1 more
    • English
    Integrative Sensing Strategies for Disaster Management explores the synergy between airborne remote sensing and social data in addressing disaster management. The book provides a framework for leveraging diverse data sources to enhance response and resilience. Detailed chapters cover the fundamentals of remote sensing, data integration techniques, and ethical implications, showcasing practical case studies in urban flooding, air quality monitoring, and pandemic evaluation. The book is an essential resource for postgraduates, PhD students, researchers, and professors in Earth observation and disaster management.Users will find this book to be a great resource for advancing their understanding of integrated sensing technologies, including current challenges and emerging trends, and tactics on how to implement innovative solutions.
  • Biohydrometallurgy of Rare Earth Ores

    • 1st Edition
    • Hongbo Zhao + 3 more
    • English
    Biohydrometallurgy of Rare Earth Ores offers an in-depth exploration of innovative bioleaching techniques for the extraction of rare earth elements that is critical for various high-tech applications. The book begins with foundational concepts in bioleaching, explaining how microorganisms and their metabolites can facilitate the extraction of REEs from ores. Further sections examine different biological approaches, including the use of native and genetically improved microorganisms, and highlight the role of coordination chemistry in enhancing leaching processes. The text also delves into comparative analyses of chemical versus bioleaching methods, emphasizing the advantages of biological techniques in terms of efficiency and environmental sustainability.Addit... the book addresses the environmental impacts of bioleaching practices, providing a holistic view of the sustainability of these methods while also detailing the recovery processes of REEs from bioleaching solutions and exploring various methods such as inorganic and organic precipitation, biosorption, and the utilization of waste-derived metabolites. It will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and industry professionals interested in the sustainable extraction of rare earth elements.
  • Global Physical Climatology

    • 3rd Edition
    • Dennis L. Hartmann
    • English
    Global Physical Climatology, Third Edition delineates the science of climate and climate change that spans the atmosphere, oceans, and land surfaces. The book begins with a detailed introduction of the climate system and then introduces its physics, including the principles and processes that determine the structure and climate of the atmosphere, oceans, and land surfaces. More advanced sections apply the basic knowledge introduced earlier in the text in understanding natural variability of the climate in both the present and past, the sensitivity of climate to external forces, explanations for the ice ages, and the science of human-induced climate change.The physical principles and computer models necessary for understanding past climate and predicting future climate are also discussed. This book is recommended for upper division undergraduates and graduates in meteorology, atmospheric science, oceanography, and other environmental fields. It is also suitable for students with a background of at least one year of college physics and calculus as well as researchers in academia, government (military, NOAA, NWS), and policymakers.
  • Geospatial Techniques in Climate Change Monitoring and Environmental Mapping

    An Interdisciplinary Approach to Risk Reduction
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 11
    • Jung-Sup Um + 3 more
    • English
    Geospatial Techniques in Climate Change Monitoring and Environmental Mapping: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Risk Reduction presents a comprehensive examination of innovative geospatial methods utilized to address the challenges posed by climate change across various sectors. The book encompasses a wide array of topics, including the application of remote sensing in agriculture, urban climate change mitigation, and the evaluation of land use effects on surface temperatures. It highlights the integration of advanced technologies such as machine learning and satellite imagery to enhance drought risk mapping, deforestation detection, and flood prediction, providing valuable insights into environmental sustainability. Moreover, the text emphasizes participatory approaches and the role of local communities in climate resilience. By synthesizing interdisciplinary perspectives, the book underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. Ultimately, this work serves as a vital resource for researchers and practitioners committed to leveraging geospatial techniques for effective climate change risk reduction and environmental management.Members of the Royal Meteorological Society are eligible for a 35% discount on all Developments in Weather and Climate Science series titles. See the RMetS member dashboard for the discount code.
  • Statistical Methods in the Atmospheric Sciences

    • 5th Edition
    • Daniel S. Wilks
    • English
    Statistical Methods in the Atmospheric Sciences, Fifth Edition provides a thorough and structured exploration of the statistical techniques essential for analyzing atmospheric data. The book begins with foundational concepts in probability, setting the stage for more advanced topics. It then covers univariate statistics, including empirical distributions, parametric probability models, and both frequentist and Bayesian inference methods, offering tools for rigorous data analysis and interpretation. The text also addresses statistical forecasting and ensemble forecasting, which are crucial for predicting atmospheric phenomena, along with methods for verifying forecast accuracy. Time series analysis is explored in detail, enabling readers to understand temporal dependencies in atmospheric data. The book advances into multivariate statistics, presenting matrix algebra and random matrices as mathematical foundations. It discusses the multivariate normal distribution, principal component analysis (EOF), and multivariate analysis of vector pairs to handle complex, multidimensional atmospheric datasets. Techniques for discrimination, classification, and cluster analysis are also examined, providing methods for categorizing and interpreting atmospheric patterns. Supplementary materials include example data sets, probability tables, and a glossary of symbols and acronyms, along with answers to exercises that reinforce learning.This comprehensive new edition equips researchers, students, and professionals with the statistical knowledge and practical skills necessary to analyze atmospheric data effectively and to contribute to advancements in meteorology and climate science.
  • Restoration and Sustainable Development of Mine-Affected Soils and Degraded Lands

    Advances for Natural Resources Conservation and Land Sustainability
    • 1st Edition
    • Jaume Bech + 3 more
    • English
    Restoration and Sustainable Development of Mine-Affected Soils and Degraded Lands: Advances for Natural Resources Conservation and Land Sustainability delves into the latest advancements in sustainable post-mining land development. This comprehensive volume begins by assessing environmental legacies from mining activities, considering their impacts on different environmental spheres such as the pedosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. It explores the interconnections between these spheres and the material fluxes that result from mining interventions, offering in-depth analysis for professionals in the field. The book also discusses the prediction and analysis of environmental benefits and challenges related to mine closures and the transition to renewable energy.It includes social and economic opportunities and obstacles of mine closure and the phasing out of coal, viewed from regional, national, and global standpoints. Management approaches are examined, considering environmental, socio-economic, and political challenges, drawing insights from successful experiences and lessons learned. Finally, the connection between soil and human health in mine-affected areas is analyzed, providing a valuable resource for mining engineers, soil scientists, and environmental resource managers.