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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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Introduction and Applications of Machine Learning in Geotechnics

    • 1st Edition
    • Zong Woo Geem + 5 more
    • English
    Introduction and Applications of Machine Learning in Geotechnics offers a comprehensive exploration of machine learning methodologies and their diverse applications in geotechnical engineering. The book begins with a detailed review of machine learning methods tailored for geotechnical applications, setting the foundation for subsequent chapters. Regression models are utilized to predict shear wave velocities while optimization-based approaches are employed to determine the optimal dimensions of reinforced concrete (RC) retaining walls. The book further explores the identification of gravelly soil through optimized machine learning models and predicts stress-strain responses using data from simple shear tests.Additionally, it outlines the forecasting of liquefaction events triggered by seismic activities and estimates the uniaxial compressive strength of soil using machine learning techniques. The prediction of vertical effective stress and specific penetration resistance is examined to enhance soil characterization and geotechnical analyses. The authors' provide valuable insights for geotechnical engineers and researchers seeking to leverage advanced computational tools for enhanced geotechnical assessments and design processes.
  • Foundations of Geophysical Electromagnetic Theory and Methods

    • 3rd Edition
    • Michael S. Zhdanov
    • English
    Foundations of Geophysical Electromagnetic Theory and Methods, Third Edition provides a comprehensive treatment of electromagnetic (EM) theory and its applications in geophysics. This updated 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.
  • Geology of the Himalaya

    • 2nd Edition
    • B.K. Chakrabarti
    • English
    Geology of the Himalaya, Second Edition presents sophisticated, structural, metamorphic, and igneous rock data across various Himalayan geographic sectors, with a focus on Precambrian and Cenozoic tectonics and the tectonic evolution of the Himalayas that challenges traditional concepts and presents cutting-edge geological insights. This revised edition delves into the metamorphic and igneous rock data of the Himalayan geographic sectors, providing detailed analyses of petrography, metamorphism, structure, mineralization, and regional tectonic research. By incorporating recent geological inputs, the book justifies a paradigm shift in our understanding of Himalayan orogeny, offering a fresh perspective on the region's geological evolution.Readers will better understand the geological diversity and structure of the Himalayan belt, along with new techniques that have applications in a host of global geological settings. In addition, users will learn about the geological diversity and structure of the Himalayan belt and new techniques that have broad applications in global geological settings.
  • 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.
  • Reducing the Risks of Weather, Climate and Ocean Extremes

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 12
    • John E. Hay
    • English
    Reducing the Risks of Weather, Climate and Ocean Extremes presents evidence-based and practical guidance on appropriate ways to manage the rapidly increasing impacts and risks associated with extreme weather, climate and ocean events. This book specifically addresses the needs and challenges laid out in the author’s two earlier volumes: Science of Weather, Climate and Ocean Extremes, 2022, and Consequences of Weather, Climate and Ocean Extremes, 2025.The book emphasizes the importance of proactive risk management at local, national, and global levels, drawing on lessons learned from past experiences to inform effective strategies. It explores the complexities of managing the consequences of these extremes, highlighting the role of communication, engagement, and inclusiveness in fosteringresilience within communities. Additionally, the text addresses the necessity of monitoring and evaluating climate risk management initiatives to ensure their effectiveness and adaptability. By synthesizing insights across various scales, this author aims to empower readers to navigate the challenges posed by climate variability and change.This book serves as a vital resource for researchers and practitioners committed to reducing risks and enhancing resilience in the face of an increasingly unpredictable climate.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.
  • Advances in Computational Geomechanics

    Advanced Computational Techniques and Methodologies in Geotechnical Engineering
    • 1st Edition
    • Mohamed Shahin + 1 more
    • English
    Advances in Computational Geomechanics: Advanced Computational Techniques and Methodologies in Geotechnical Engineering provides a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge computational methodologies in geotechnical engineering. The first part examines stochastic, probabilistic, and reliability analyses in geotechnical engineering, covering stochastic methods, probabilistic approaches to soil characterization, reliability analysis in geotechnical design, and risk assessment and management in geotechnical projects. The second part delves into artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning applications in geotechnical engineering, including machine learning algorithms for geotechnical data analysis, AI-based predictive models for soil behavior and properties, AI in geotechnical risk and decision-making, and data-driven approaches for soil classification and site characterization. The third part focuses on numerical modeling and analysis techniques, such as the Finite Element Method (FEM), Finite Difference Method (FDM), Discrete Element Method (DEM), and explores hybrid numerical methods and future directions in computational geomechanics. This book serves as a valuable resource for geotechnical engineers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to leverage advanced computational tools for geomechanical analyses and design.
  • The Theory of Cosmic Ray Modulation

    • 1st Edition
    • R. 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.
  • Statistical Methods in the Atmospheric Sciences

    • 5th Edition
    • Daniel S. Wilks
    • English
    Statistical Methods in the Atmospheric Sciences, Fifth Edition provides a 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, along with methods for verifying forecast accuracy. In addition, 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.