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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.

  • Rock Fracture

    Theories, Modeling Methods, and Engineering Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Shibin Tang + 1 more
    • English
    Rock Fracture: Theories, Modeling Methods, and Engineering Applications provides an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles and advanced techniques used to understand and predict rock fracture behavior. The book begins with the theoretical framework of fracture mechanics, examining how factors like T-stress influence brittle rock failure under various loading conditions, including compression and tension. It then discusses various modeling approaches for crack propagation, such as fracture mechanics criteria, localized stress models, and their applications to different rock specimens and fault configurations. The text covers hydraulic fracturing theories, including numerical models for fracture initiation and propagation around boreholes, as well as the effects of end friction and jointed rock mass failure. Additionally, it investigates the progressive failure of rock slopes, emphasizing the importance of numerical simulations to anticipate failure modes like toppling and shear failure. This comprehensive treatment underscores the importance of combining theoretical understanding with modeling techniques to optimize engineering practices. Ultimately, this book offers valuable insights for researchers and engineers committed to safer and more efficient rock engineering solutions.
  • Stratigraphy & Timescales

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 11
    • English
  • Weather, Climate and Seasons in the Solar System

    • 1st Edition
    • Richard Soare + 3 more
    • English
    Weather, Climate and Seasons Across the Solar System comprises a comprehensive exploration of atmosphere dynamics on lunar and planetary bodies across our Solar System as well as the study of atmosphere/surface interactions. Richly illustrated with data, lab and field models, analogues and images from space probes, telescopic observations and landers/rovers, this book presents a compelling overview, narrative and study of planetary evolution that is ideal for researchers, educators, and enthusiasts alike. It serves as both a reference and an engaging read, inviting readers to contemplate the vast complexities of weather, climate and seasons for planetary and lunar bodies for and near in the Solar System. From storms on Jupiter and the outer gas giants to the surface gradients of temperature on Mars and the seasonality of associated surface changes, students,researchers , and practitioners will gain insights into how these processes have evolved over time and the factors influencing them.
  • Acid Mine Drainage

    Sustainable Mining Practices for Mitigating Environmental Impact
    • 1st Edition
    • Athanas Simon Macheyeki + 2 more
    • English
    Acid Mine Drainage: Sustainable Mining Practices for Mitigating Environmental Impact provides an in-depth analysis of acid mine drainage (AMD) and its profound effects on ecosystems and communities surrounding mining operations. The book begins by explaining the nature of AMD, including its formation, environmental and socioeconomic impacts, and methods for predicting and monitoring its occurrence. It emphasizes the importance of effective sampling techniques and the use of predictive modeling tools to understand and manage AMD risks. The text explores both conventional and non-conventional mitigation strategies, detailing active and passive treatment methods, including innovative biotechnological approaches and ecosystem-based solutions. It also highlights case studies that showcase successful AMD management practices while addressing the challenges faced in high-impact regions. Finally, the book discusses future directions for sustainable mining practices, emphasizing the need for collaborative resilience and the adoption of innovative solutions to close existing gaps in AMD management.This comprehensive overview serves as an essential resource for researchers and industry professionals committed to reducing the environmental impact of mining activities while promoting sustainable resource management.
  • The Encyclopedia of Volcanoes

    • 3rd Edition
    • Costanza Bonadonna + 7 more
    • English
    The Encyclopedia of Volcanoes, Third Edition is an updated edition of the PROSE award winning title, which summarizes our present knowledge of volcanoes; it provides a comprehensive source of information on the causes of volcanic eruptions and both the destructive and beneficial effects. This new edition illustrates the best approaches to characterize key aspects of volcanology, demonstrates the importance of volcanology for a sustainable planet, and has been developed by a multi-disciplinary, multi-gender and multi-cultural teams of both editors and authors.The Encyclopedia of Volcanoes, Third Edition is a necessary reference for students, academics and professionals in volcanology and Earth science to understand and characterize the effects and role played by volcanoes, much as the previous editions were before it.
  • Reshaping Geotechnical Engineering with Machine Learning

    Theory, Applications, and Innovations
    • 1st Edition
    • Divesh Ranjan Kumar + 3 more
    • English
    Reshaping Geotechnical Engineering with Machine Learning: Theory, Applications, and Innovations explores the transformative impact of machine learning (ML) on the field of geotechnical engineering. The book begins by examining the broad applications of ML in key areas such as foundation engineering and slope stability, demonstrating how advanced algorithms can enhance predictive accuracy and decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of robust data acquisition and preprocessing techniques, which are critical for the successful implementation of ML models in geotechnical contexts. The text examines the use of machine learning for predicting soil behavior, a complex challenge in geotechnical engineering, and highlights its role in risk assessment and management. It also addresses the integration of ML with finite element modeling to improve the analysis of tunnel and underground stability. The applications of machine learning in understanding geotechnical materials further showcase the versatility of these techniques. Through detailed case studies, the book illustrates practical implementations of machine learning, bridging theory and real-world problem-solving. It also covers experimental investigations, including laboratory and field studies, which provide essential data for model training and validation. Additionally, the book discusses failure diagnosis of rock slopes by combining discontinuity analysis with numerical modeling, underscoring the potential of ML to enhance safety and reliability in geotechnical projects. This comprehensive resource highlights how machine learning is revolutionizing geotechnical engineering, offering innovative tools and methodologies that improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety in the discipline.
  • Pattern Recognition Techniques in Gas Sensing

    • 1st Edition
    • Ajit Khosla + 2 more
    • English
    Pattern Recognition Techniques in Gas Sensing provides a comprehensive overview of the methods and technologies used to detect and analyze gases through advanced pattern recognition approaches. The book begins by introducing the fundamentals of gas sensors and their unique data characteristics, laying the groundwork for understanding the complexities involved in gas detection. It then explores the basics of pattern recognition, detailing various statistical methods that have been traditionally employed to interpret sensor data. The text looks into Bayesian and probabilistic methods, offering insights into their applications for improving gas sensing accuracy. Cluster analysis techniques are examined as tools for grouping sensor responses to identify specific gas patterns. The integration of machine learning in gas sensing is thoroughly discussed, highlighting how these algorithms enhance detection capabilities by learning from complex datasets. Further, the book presents deep learning techniques, showcasing their power in handling large volumes of sensor data and extracting meaningful features for precise gas identification. Data processing techniques essential for preparing and refining sensor outputs are also covered, providing readers with practical knowledge for real-world applications. The book concludes with a forward-looking perspective on emerging trends and future directions in gas sensing, emphasizing the continuous evolution of pattern recognition technologies. This book serves as an essential resource for researchers, engineers, and professionals seeking to advance the field of gas sensing through innovative pattern recognition techniques, fostering more accurate and reliable detection systems.
  • Physics of the Atmosphere

    • 1st Edition
    • Francisco J. Tapiador
    • English
    Physics of the Atmosphere offers a comprehensive overview of the processes of the Earth-atmosphere system. Readers will gain a thorough understanding of the physical underpinnings of meteorology and climatology. The text is organized into five parts beginning with a review of the mathematics that supports atmospheric physics. The second part lays the foundation by studying the Earth system, the atmosphere, solar and terrestrial radiation, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics. The third part examines water vapor, clouds, and precipitation. Then various systems are detailed, such as tropical weather systems, extratropical cyclones, polar weather systems, mesoscale convective systems, and microscale phenomena. The book closes with a look at measurement and modeling including weather forecasting. Case studies are presented throughout to offer readers real-world examples of these concepts and their applications. This comprehensive survey of atmospheric physics will serve as an invaluable resource for those studying and practicing in meteorology, climatology and other related fields.
  • The Catchment to Coast Conundrum in Tanzania

    The Past, the Present, and the Future of Water Resources and Anthropogenic Activities
    • 1st Edition
    • Asukile R. Kajuni + 2 more
    • English
    The Catchment to Coast Conundrum in Tanzania: The Past, the Present, and the Future of Water Resources and Anthropogenic Activities is an essential book addressing the interactions between river basins and coastal and marine environments in the West Indian Ocean region (WIO). Key issues include water and sediment quality degeneration due to pollution, physical alteration, destruction of habitats, and changes in freshwater flows and sediment loads. The WIO region is experiencing rapid population growth, causing land-based activities to exert pressure on the marine environment, degrade critical coastal habitats, and alter freshwater flow and sediment loads into the WIO.The book emphasizes the importance of science-based ecosystem-centered management of river basins for the sustainability of ecosystems in the WIO region. It discusses increased human population pressure and inappropriate land uses in upper catchments as major causes of environmental degradation. This comprehensive guide aims to provide students and researchers with essential knowledge about the area and raise awareness on the significance of river restoration and conservation in river basin management, including coastal areas.
  • EnviroGIS

    Geographic Information Systems in Environmental Analysis
    • 1st Edition
    • Jesús Rodrigo-Comino
    • English
    EnviroGIS: Geographic Information Systems in Environmental Analysis is a comprehensive and timely textbook that provides a foundation for those considering further research in GIS, environmental sciences, or geosciences. It offers a thorough understanding of how to initiate a GIS course in Geosciences, introducing the importance of GIS by taking a step-by-step approach for delineating the study area. This book provides diverse ideas, data, and practical examples for both replication and reference to students, scientists, and lecturers engaging with GIS and environmental science, particularly areas focused on Earth Surface Processes using tools like ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, Terrset/Idrissi, Google Earth Engine, R, and Pix4D.In the first part, the textbook delineates the importance of GIS. Moving on, in the second part it focuses on the most relevant topics in environmental analysis. It outlines the preparation of seminars related to changing scales, soil, plant, and catchment dynamic processes, such as erosion and interpolations. Covering topics such as data mining, and connectivity processes, EnviroGIS highlights the way in which Artificial Intelligence enables the creation of accurate forecasts of challenging-to-predi... Earth surface processes. Additionally, the biosphere is delved into to show how GIS courses assess fauna and vegetation within natural or human ecosystems. The final part of the book is centered on specific cases, considering different GIS data formats including shapefiles, multilayer projects, and recent natural hazards or disasters, such as volcanic eruptions or hillslope degradation due to human activities.