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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.

BooksJournals

    • Interpretation of Biological and Environmental Changes across the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian Boundary

      • 1st Edition
      • September 23, 2005
      • L.E. Babcock
      • English
      The Neoproterozoic-Cambr... transition was a time of fundamental change in the biosphere. Between about 570 and 510 million years ago, marine organisms underwent considerable evolutionary innovation during a time of shifting ecological setting. This dramatic activity culminated in the first stratigraphic appearances of many recognizable groups of animals, an "event" often referred to as the "Cambrian explosion". In addition, there was a major change from a microbial mat-dominated sediment-water interface to a more extensively burrowed interface in shallow-marine settings. The early fossil record is a function not only of the rise or ecological diversification of marine organisms, but also the development of taphonomic and sedimentary conditions suitable for the preservation of mineralizing and nonmineralizing organisms. This book is devoted to an exploration of some of the emerging concepts and techniques used to develop greater insight into the early record of biologic diversification and the preservational record of that diversification during the Neoproterozoic-Cambr... transition.

    • Geology of North-West Borneo

      • 1st Edition
      • September 23, 2005
      • C.S. Hutchison
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 4 5 5 8 9 0 9
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 0 8 0 4 6 0 8 9 5
      The book is a comprehensive compilation of all aspects of the geology of Northwest Borneo (Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah) and the contiguous South China and Sulu Seas. The sedimentary formations are described, their palaeontology tabulated and ages discussed. Stratigraphic charts illustrate their relationships across the whole region. Detailed geological maps of selected areas are accompanied by cross sections based on outcrop patterns and drilling and seismic data offshore. Palaeocurrent maps are presented and the palaeogeography for different ages described and sedimentary provenance discussed. Descriptions of the ophiolite sequences, volcanic and plutonic rocks are accompanied by tables of selected chemical analyses and geochemical plots and their tectonic significance discussed. All radiometric data are tabulated and discussed. Regional structures and the predominantly Tertiary tectonics are described. In Sarawak the mountains are constructed of Upper Cretaceous to Lower Eocene greenschist facies shaly turbiditic Rajang Group, uplifted before the end of the Eocene. In Sabah the Western Cordillera is constructed of Eocene to Lower Miocene sandy turbidite uplifted in the Late Miocene and Pliocene. Miocene intrusion of Mount Kinabalu and uplift of the Cordillera is related to collision at the Northwest Borneo Trough. Gold, antimony, mercury and copper deposits are described and the tectonic setting of oil and gas deposits discussed.

    • Ground Improvement

      • 1st Edition
      • September 14, 2005
      • Professor Jian Chu + 2 more
      • Buddhima Indraratna + 1 more
      • English
      • Hardback
        9 7 8 0 0 8 0 4 4 6 3 3 2
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 0 8 0 4 5 7 3 6 9
      The first book of its kind, providing over thirty real-life case studies of ground improvement projects selected by the worlds top experts in ground improvement from around the globe. Volume 3 of the highly regarded Elsevier Geo-engineering book series coordinated by the Series Editor: Professor John A Hudson FREng. An extremely reader friendly chapter format.Discusses wider economical and environmental issues facing scientists in the ground improvement.Ground improvement has been both a science and art, with significant developments observed through ancient history. From the use of straw as blended infill with soils for additional strength during the ancient Roman civilizations, and the use of elephants for compaction of earth dams during the early Asian civilizations, the concepts of reinforced earth with geosynthetics, use of electrokinetics and thermal modifications of soils have come a long way. The use of large and stiff stone columns and subsequent sand drains in the past has now been replaced by quicker to install and more effective prefabricated vertical drains, which have also eliminated the need for more expensive soil improvement methods.The early selection and application of the most appropriate ground improvement techniques can improve considerably not only the design and performance of foundations and earth structures, including embankments, cut slopes, roads, railways and tailings dams, but also result in their cost-effectiveness. Ground improvement works have become increasingly challenging when more and more problematic soils and marginal land have to be utilized for infrastructure development.This edited compilation contains a collection of Chapters from invited experts in various areas of ground improvement, who have illustrated the basic concepts and the applications of different ground improvement techniques using real projects that they have been involved in. The case histories from many countries ranging from Asia, America, Australia and Europe are addressed.

    • The South Aegean Active Volcanic Arc

      • 1st Edition
      • Volume 7
      • September 13, 2005
      • M. Fytikas + 1 more
      • English
      • Hardback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 4 5 2 0 4 6 3
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 4 5 6 0 0 0 1
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 0 8 0 4 5 7 5 7 4
      This book is a collection of 22 selected papers from the homonymous Conference held in September 2003 Milos, Greece. The aim of the conference was to serve as a forum for the presentation and constructive discussion of the state-of-the-art and emerging issues on the South Aegean Volcanic Arc.In the first part of the book the tectonic- geodynamic setting and the present upper mantle structure of the Aegean area are discussed. It includes an interesting interpretation of data on the spatial distribution of intermediate focal depth earthquakes, fault plane solutions and deep velocity structures, to further investigate active tectonics related to the deep structure of the southern Aegean volcanic arc.The second part deals with general volcanological, petrological and tectonic characteristics of the SAAVA presenting an extensive review of volcanological, chemical, isotope and tectonic data, using a large amount of new field and laboratory data. Interesting conclusions are presented regarding the present volcanic associations, the volcanic fields location and shape in respect to the large tectonic lineaments and the plate motions, the source of the SAAVA parental magmas.Presented in the third part is an extensive review on the volcanic hazard assessment and the monitoring state of the SAAVA centers. Seismic and geodetic monitoring of the Santorini volcano and the recent (1995-1998) crisis of Nisyros volcano are presented and discussed.The last part deals with hydrothermal deposits and processes in the SAAVA, as well as products and processes in adjacent areas with a particular interest and significance that link them to the SAAVA processes.

    • Advances in High-Pressure Techniques for Geophysical Applications

      • 1st Edition
      • August 9, 2005
      • J. Chen + 4 more
      • English
      • Hardback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 4 5 1 9 7 9 5
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 0 8 0 4 5 7 6 6 6
      High-pressure mineral physics is a field that is strongly driven by the development of new technology. Fifty years ago, when experimentally achievable pressures were limited to just 25 GPa, little was know about the mineralogy of the Earth's lower mantle. Silicate perovskite, the likely dominant mineral of the deep Earth, was identified only when the high-pressure techniques broke the pressure barrier of 25 GPa in 1970s. However, as the maximum achievable pressure reached beyond one Megabar (100 GPa) and even to the pressure of Earth’s core on minute samples, new discoveries increasingly were fostered by the development of new analytical techniques and improvements in sensitivity and precision of existing techniques. The book consists of six sections which group the papers according to their main topics: a) Elastic and Anelastic Properties; b) Rheology; c) Melt and Glass Properties; d) Structural and Magnetic Properties; e) Diffraction and Spectroscopy; f) Pressure Calibration and Generation. As many papers cover multiple topics, readers may find papers of interest in different sections. All papers are prepared with emphasis on technical details suitable for a technical reference. Many on-line software resources are also listed in as detailed a manner as possible. However, the URL of the software sites may be subject to change without notice.

    • Natural Gas Hydrates

      • 2nd Edition
      • July 27, 2005
      • John Carroll
      • English
      • Hardback
        9 7 8 0 7 5 0 6 8 4 9 0 3
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 1 4 9 3 3 0 3 2 6 7
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 0 8 0 5 7 0 0 2 0
      The petroleum industry spends millions of dollars every year to combat the formation of hydrates-the solid, crystalline compounds that form from water and small molecules-that cause problems by plugging transmission lines and damaging equipment. They are a problem in the production, transmission and processing of natural gas, and it is even possible for them to form in the reservoir itself if the conditions are favorable. Natural Gas Hydrates is written for the field engineer working in the natural gas industry. This book explains how, when and where hydrates form, while providing the knowledge necessary to apply remedies in practical applications. New to the second edition, the use of new inhibitors: Kinetic Inhibitors and Anticoagulants and the topic of kinetics of hydrates. How fast do they form? How fast do they melt? New chapters on Hydrates in Nature, hydrates on the seafloor and a new section has also been added regarding the misconceptions about water dew points. Chapters on Hydrate Types and Formers, Computer Methods, Inhibiting Hydrate Formation with Chemicals, Dehydration of Natural Gas and Phase Diagrams Hydrate Dehydration of Natural Gas and Phase Diagrams have been expanded and updated along with the companion website.

    • EPSL Frontiers

      • 1st Edition
      • Volume 2
      • July 13, 2005
      • A. Halliday
      • English
      • Hardback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 4 5 2 0 5 1 7
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 0 8 0 9 3 1 1 9 7
      This second volume of Frontiers articles contains a broad array of fascinating topics. The first fourpapers focus on the Sun, the origin of the solar system and the early history of the Earth. The fifth, on komatiites, is also relevant to the early Earth but also forms a nice transition to three articles that focus on subduction and mantle processes. The final three articles focus on changes in our surface environment including biogeochemical cycles, the evolution of hominids and, finally, the future threat posed by near Earth asteroids.

    • Multiscale Coupling of Sun-Earth Processes

      • 1st Edition
      • July 6, 2005
      • A.T.Y. Lui + 2 more
      • English
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 0 8 0 4 5 7 6 9 7
      Many approaches exist for scientific investigations and space research is no exception. The early approach during which each space plasma region within the Sun-Earth system was investigated separately with physics-based tools has now progressed to encompass investigations on coupling between these regions. Ample evidence now exists indicating the dynamic processes in these regions exhibit disturbances over a wide range of scales both in time and space. This new reckoning naturally leads to an emerging perspective of probing these natural phenomena with concepts and tools developed in modern statistical mechanics for physical processes governing the evolution of out-of-equilibrium and complex systems.These new developments have prompted a topical conference on Sun-Earth connection, held on February 9-13, 2004 at Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA, with the goal of promoting interactions among scientists practicing the traditional physics-based approach and those utilizing modern statistical techniques.This monograph is a product of this conference, a compilation of thirty-nine articles assembled into seven chapters: (1) multiscale features in complexity dynamics, (2) space storms, (3) magnetospheric substorms, (4) turbulence and magnetic reconnection, (5) modeling and coupling of space phenomena, (6) techniques for multiscale space plasma problems, and (7) present and future multiscale space missions. These articles show a diversity of space phenomena exhibiting scale free characteristics, intermittency, and non-Gaussian distributions of probability density function of fluctuations in the physical parameters of the Sun-Earth system. The scope covers the latest observations, theories, simulations, and techniques on the multiscale nature of Sun-Earth phenomena and underscores the usefulness in cross-disciplinary exchange needed to unravel the underlying physical processes, which may eventually lead to a possible unified description and prediction for space disturbances.

    • Ormen Lange - an integrated study for safe field development in the Storegga submarine area

      • 1st Edition
      • June 15, 2005
      • A. Solheim + 4 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 4 5 6 4 4 6 7
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 0 8 0 9 1 4 0 5 3
      Great effort has been undertaken to investigate potential geohazards in relation to the development of the Ormen Lange gas field offshore Mid-Norway. The field is located in the scar left after the giant, tsunami-generating Storegga Slide, which occurred roughly 8200 years ago, and the slide risk has consequently received particular focus. The studies have been multi-disciplinary in character, and have involved a number of companies, universities, and research institutions. The results of the project led to a significant advance in the understanding of the Storegga Slide in particular, and submarine slope instability in general, and played an important role in the approval of field development by Norwegian authorities. This book comprises 26 individual contributions representing the wide span of topics addressed in the project. The main scope is to provide a state-of-the-art report on geohazard investigations in a high latitude continental margin setting. Most of the data and results published in this book would not have reached beyond the confidential report stage unless the license partners of the Ormen Lange license had agreed that this information deserves a wider audience.

    • Onshore-Offshore Relationships on the North Atlantic Margin

      • 1st Edition
      • Volume 12
      • June 7, 2005
      • B.T.G. Wandås + 3 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 4 4 4 5 5 9 0 7 4
      • eBook
        9 7 8 0 0 8 0 5 3 8 0 1 3
      This book includes a selection of oral and poster presentations from "Onshore-Offshore Relationships on the Nordic Margin Conference" held in Trondheim in 2002. The conference was jointly arranged by the Norwegian Geological Society (NGF) and the Norwegian Petroleum Society (NPF), and attempted, through different thematic sessions, to bridge the gap often noted between industry and academic research.The first part of the conference included presentations under the theme "Basement control on offshore structuring" with representative articles from that segment included in this book and covering topics that range from analysis of vertical movements of basement substrates to the deep structural architecture of the Norwegian Sea to the development of the Jan Mayen microcontinent. These papers set the scene for the second segment of the conference, "Linking uplift and erosion with subsidence and deposition", that in the present book include articles related to the Triassic to Present-day infill history in the Norwegian and northern North Seas. The last segment of the conference addressed "New challenges" with respect to natural features of the deep-water areas that necessitate particular consideration and innovation on the part of research and industry to mitigate risk and maximize returns from field development. In this book, the articles addressing this theme present analyses of the enormous submarine slides that took place during the Holocene in the Norwegian Sea, and are of particular interest to the developers of the Ormen Lange gas field; other articles address the occurrences of gas hydrates in the near sea floor and the challenges presented in identifying and protecting the Lophelia cold-water reefs in the region.

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