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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.

  • Metallophytes in Mineral Mining

    • 1st Edition
    • Vimal Chandra Pandey + 3 more
    • English
    Metallophytes in Mineral Mining offers a cutting-edge look at the emerging technology of phytomining (or agromining) for the farming of metals in metal-rich soils. Metallophytes-based mineral mining is a rapidly growing field due to its potential contribution to socio-economic and ecological sustainability. The authors begin with a thorough overview of metallophytes and the analysis of metal-rich soils. The following chapters look closely at phytomining versus phytoremediation, metal transporter in hyperaccumulator plants, and microbe-assisted phytomining. The authors also carefully consider the implications of conserving metallophytes biodiversity. Finally, several case studies of valuable metals in agromining round out the chapters. This pioneering text provides the latest work and perspectives on metallophytes in mineral mining and how it may support sustainability.
  • Remote Sensing, Big Data, and GeoAI

    Exploring Applications with Geospatial Insights
    • 1st Edition
    • Erin Bunting + 3 more
    • English
    Remote Sensing, Big Data, and GeoAI: Exploring Applications with Geospatial Insights is an in-depth analysis of the transformative power of AI and Big Data in remote sensing. This book provides readers with the knowledge and tools to utilize these technologies to enhance decision-making and analysis. Starting from fundamental concepts, it progresses to advanced applications, offering accessible explanations and real-world examples to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The book uses a structured format to balance theoretical knowledge with immersive case studies, giving readers a deeper understanding of practical implications.It also covers ethical and legal considerations, making it an invaluable resource for researchers, professionals, and students keen on using AI and Big Data techniques in remote sensing to solve complex geospatial challenges.
  • Drought Dynamics

    Modeling and Assessment to Confront a Changing Climate
    • 1st Edition
    • Mir Jafar Sadegh Safari + 1 more
    • English
    Drought Dynamics: Modeling and Assessment to Confront a Changing Climate synthesizes the latest research findings and practical insights from leading experts in the field. The book provides the knowledge and tools necessary to understand the causes and impacts of drought, predict its occurrence, and implement practical measures to mitigate its effects. It begins with an in-depth review of fundamental drought theory followed by a closer examination of related aspects like social behavior, food security, health, climate, sediment, architecture, and education. Next, a close look at geography information systems including data assessment, models, maps, and visualizations is explored. Additional sections explore drought management, along with community resilience, adaptation, policy, and the economy. New trends in drought studies are presented, including the latest practical technologies and the use of artificial intelligence. Lastly, a series of detailed case studies offer practical insights on data assessment, modeling, experimental studies, and climate change. The editors and contributing authors offer this resource to help build resilience and sustainability in the face of one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
  • Phanerozoic Large Igneous Provinces

    A Comparative Approach
    • 1st Edition
    • Gregory Shellnutt + 1 more
    • English
    Phanerozoic Large Igneous Provinces: A Comparative Approach offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricacies of large igneous provinces (LIPs) by adopting a multidisciplinary approach that unravels the geological, thermal, and biological repercussions of LIP formation. The rapid emplacement of these provinces, often associated with continental break-up, mineral deposits, and mass extinctions remains a subject of intense debate. This book presents an accessible, yet detailed, analysis of several Phanerozoic LIPs, strategically selected for their scientific significance, and arranged chronologically. It provides a foundational reference for LIPs, utilizing a chapter-wide template to facilitate comparisons of crucial aspects and processes. Users will find comprehensive knowledge on over 20 important LIPs, including historical context and uniqueness, geological background, physical characteristics and formations, age and geochronology, mineralogy, and synthesis.
  • Climate and Natural Hazard Risks

    • 1st Edition
    • Peter Sammonds + 2 more
    • English
    Climate and Natural Hazard Risks is an in-depth examination of the physical, environmental, economic, and social impacts of climate change and natural hazards on vulnerable populations in different regions around the world. The authors open with the simple question “What is risk?,” taking a detailed look at historical and global trends and risk frameworks as they relate to the Earth system and climate change. The authors then examine the drivers of social and physical vulnerability. From there, the chapters systematically review different hazards and their implications for risk (hurricanes, cyclones, flooding, extreme temperatures, food insecurity, earthquakes, tsunamis). The authors then delve into the latest methods and research for multihazard risk assessment. The book closes with challenging explorations of resilience, and environmental and social transitions for climate change. Students, practitioners and policy-makers working across climate science, hazard risk assessment, disaster management and humanitarian response will find this instructive and thought-provoking text essential reading.
  • Agricultural Applications of Earth Observation

    • 1st Edition
    • Peng Fu
    • English
    Agricultural Applications of Earth Observation details the revolutionary impact of satellite and remote sensing technologies in enhancing agricultural practices. It bridges the knowledge gap by making advanced satellite and sensor data understandable and applicable, enabling readers to select the best tools for specific agricultural needs. Real-world case studies and practical examples demonstrate the successful implementation of Earth Observation technologies in agriculture, inspiring readers with tangible results and encouraging innovative thinking. Agricultural Applications of Earth Observation enables readers to apply Earth Observation technologies to enhance agronomical sustainability and contribute to more environmentally friendly practices. With detailed methodologies and a range of additional supplementary elements, the book equips readers with the knowledge and tools to drive the future of agriculture into a more sustainable era.
  • Environmental and Health Issues in Unconventional Oil and Gas Development

    • 2nd Edition
    • Debra A Kaden + 1 more
    • English
    Environmental and Health Issues in Unconventional Oil and Gas Development, Second Edition presents a non-partisan perspective on directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing, addressing implications for various stakeholders. The book reviews the transformations in UOGD practices, advancement in monitoring technologies, and the new issues identified by both governmental and non-governmental entities. Key topics include the economics of hydraulic fracturing, methane emissions, decarbonization, and responsibly sourced gas, along with climate risk and mitigation. Water quality and waste impacts are examined, followed by discussions on occupational health, public health, and risk communication. The book also covers environmental justice and corporate governance.
  • Applied Hydrology and Green Infrastructure Systems

    • 1st Edition
    • Joseph Schulenberg + 2 more
    • English
    Applied Hydrology and Green Infrastructure Systems combines theoretical insight with practical applications. This textbook captures the latest developments in green infrastructure and offers the skills that are necessary to interpret and solve complex hydrology and hydraulics problems. Integrating traditional hydrologic principles with cutting-edge green infrastructural solutions, it provides a foundation into groundwater dynamics, hydrological processes, and sustainable sewer design. It paves the way for understanding the importance of environmentally conscious practices in water resource management.The book is divided into three parts. Part One offers a deep exploration of groundwater dynamics and describes saturated and unsaturated flow principles. It then explores steady-state and transient well hydraulics, flow nets, and strategies for ensuring sustainable groundwater availability. Part Two largely focuses on hydrology, diving into surface runoff processes, unit hydrographs, and the application of NRCS unit hydrograph methodology. Probability and statistics in hydrology are introduced followed by hydrologic frequency analyses. Lastly, Part Three describes sewer design, green infrastructure, and water transmission. The principles of sewer system design with an emphasis on sustainability and the integration of green infrastructure are discussed.Applied Hydrology and Green Infrastructure Systems is a valuable resource for upper-level undergraduate students in environmental sciences studying engineering hydrology, hydraulics and hydrology. It is also useful for engineers, urban planners, and consultants who are looking for practical guidance to incorporate green infrastructure into urban design and development. This textbook contains case studies, self-assessments, spreadsheet shells, and a solutions manual as additional resources for students and instructors.
  • Stratigraphy

    • 1st Edition
    • Octavian Catuneanu
    • English
    Stratigraphy provides a comprehensive review of various stratigraphy types in a consistent, systematic manner. Each chapter includes definitions, concepts, practical applications, and case studies. The book begins with an overview of the discipline's historical principles. Subsequent chapters delve into specific types of stratigraphy: lithostratigraphy (lithology), biostratigraphy (fossil content), chemostratigraphy (geochemical properties), magnetostratigraphy (magnetic polarity), chronostratigraphy (absolute age), cyclostratigraphy (relationship to astronomical forcing), allostratigraphy (lithological discontinuities), and sequence stratigraphy (stratal stacking patterns). This structured approach makes the book a convenient reference for quickly reviewing and comparing different stratigraphy types.Each chapter follows a consistent outline, making the text accessible and easy to navigate. This invaluable reference links theory with practice, and provides critical insights into the practical workflow that enables stratigraphic correlation in diverse geological contexts. The systematic presentation ensures that readers can efficiently compare and contrast the different stratigraphy types, enhancing their ability to integrate different stratigraphic methods in order to unravel the full array of physical and temporal complexities of the 3D stratigraphic framework.
  • Spatial Statistics and Analysis

    Techniques and Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Anzhelika Antipova
    • English
    Spatial Statistics and Analysis: Techniques and Applications is an essential resource for anyone interested in the theory and application of spatial statistics. This comprehensive text delves into the principles, tools, and methods used in spatial analysis, making it invaluable for undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and professionals across various fields including geography, public health, engineering, and social sciences. With hands-on exercises, the book guides readers through complex topics and ensures a deep understanding of spatial data analysis. In addition to covering key terms and tools, this valuable resource explores scales of measurement, data distributions, and spatial dataset visualizations.Other sections examine spatial statistical relationships, point and areal pattern analysis, complex spatial patterns, and geostatistical analysis. The text also addresses spatial error and uncertainty and includes practical applications of Markov chains. Supplementary resources such as instructional slides, lab activities, data sets, and graphic illustrations are provided to aid both teaching and learning.