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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.

  • The Physics of Glaciers

    • 3rd Edition
    • W. S. B. Paterson
    • English
    This updated and expanded version of the second edition explains the physical principles underlying the behaviour of glaciers and ice sheets. The text has been revised in order to keep pace with the extensive developments which have occurred since 1981. A new chapter, of major interest, concentrates on the deformation of subglacial till. The book concludes with a chapter on information regarding past climate and atmospheric composition obtainable from ice cores.
  • Descriptive Physical Oceanography

    An Introduction
    • 5th Edition
    • George L. Pickard + 1 more
    • English
    The rapidly developing field of oceanography has necessitated the publication of a fifth edition of this classic textbook. The revised version provides an introduction to descriptive (synoptic) oceanography and contains updated information on topics such as the heat budget, instruments and in particular, the use of satellites. The sections on equatorial oceanography, sea-ice physics, distribution and El Nino have been completely rewritten. The book is further supplemented by text on thermohaline circulation, mixing and also coral reef oceanography.
  • Introduction to Volcanic Seismology

    • 3rd Edition
    • Vyacheslav M Zobin
    • English
    Introduction to Volcanic Seismology, Third Edition covers all aspects of volcano seismology, specifically focusing on recent studies and developments. This new edition expands on the historical aspects, including updated information on how volcanic seismology was handled in the past (instrumentation, processing techniques, number of observatories worldwide) that is compared to present day tactics. Updated case studies can be found throughout the book, providing information from the most studied volcanoes in the world, including those in Iceland. Additional features include descriptions of analog experiments, seismic networks, both permanent and temporal, and the link between volcanoes, plate tectonics, and mantle plumes. Beginning with an introduction to the history of volcanic seismology, the book then discusses models developed for the study of the origin of volcanic earthquakes of both a volcano-tectonic and eruption nature. In addition, the book covers a variety of topics from the different aspects of volcano-tectonic activity, the seismic events associated with the surface manifestations of volcanic activity, descriptions of eruption earthquakes, volcanic tremor, seismic noise of pyroclastic flows, explosion earthquakes, and the mitigation of volcanic hazards.
  • The Planet Earth

    • 2nd Edition
    • D. R. Bates
    • English
    The Planet Earth, Second Edition reviews remarkable advances in understanding the physical aspects of the Earth, including technical developments that have made various new types of observation and measurement possible, as well as a deepened understanding of the fundamental laws of nature that have given the necessary basis for the interpretation of many of the complex phenomena concerned. Topics covered include the Van Allen radiation belts, the Mohole project, continental drift and polar wandering, the theory of magnetic storms and aurorae; and the possibility of extra-terrestrial sources of life. This book is comprised of 18 chapters and begins with an overview of the work and achievements of the International Geophysical Year. The reader is then introduced to the Earth's physical properties such as the deep interior, crust, oceans, climate, and geomagnetic field, as well as its origin, age, and possible ultimate fate. Subsequent chapters explore the composition and structure of the Earth's atmosphere; the general circulation of the atmosphere and oceans; the ice ages; meteorology and weather forecasting; and experimental proof of the existence of the ionosphere. The airglow, aurorae and magnetic storms, meteors, cosmic radiation, and radiation belts are also described. The final chapter examines the genesis of life on Earth. This monograph is intended for students and practitioners of planetary and geophysical sciences.
  • Microwave Remote Sensing of Land Surfaces

    Techniques and Methods
    • 1st Edition
    • Nicolas Baghdadi + 1 more
    • English
    Microwave Remote Sensing of Land Surface: Techniques and Methods brings essential coverage of the space techniques of observation on continental surfaces. The authors explore major applications and provide detailed chapters on physical principles, physics of measurement, and data processing for each technique, bringing readers up-to-date descriptions of techniques used by leading scientists in the field of remote sensing and Earth observation.
  • Flow and Heat Transfer in Geothermal Systems

    Basic Equations for Describing and Modeling Geothermal Phenomena and Technologies
    • 1st Edition
    • Aniko Toth + 1 more
    • English
    Flow and Heat Transfer in Geothermal Systems: Basic Equations for Description and Modeling Geothermal Phenomena and Technologies is the ideal reference for research in geothermal systems and alternative energy sources. Written for a wide variety of users, including geologists, geophysicists, hydro-geologists, and engineers, it offers a practical framework for the application of heat and flow transport theory. Authored by two of the world’s foremost geothermal systems experts, whose combined careers span more than 50 years, this text is a one-stop resource for geothermal system theory and application. It will help geoscientists and engineers navigate the wealth of new research that has emerged on the topic in recent years.
  • Land Surface Remote Sensing

    Environment and Risks
    • 1st Edition
    • Mehrez Zribi
    • Nicolas Baghdadi
    • English
    Land Surface Remote Sensing: Environment and Risks explores the use of remote sensing in applications concerning the environment, including desertification and monitoring deforestation and forest fires. The first chapter covers the characterization of aerosols and gases by passive remote sensing. The next chapter presents the correlation of optical images for quantifying the deformation of the Earth's surface and geomorphological processes. The third chapter is examines remote sensing applications in the mining environment. The fourth chapter depicts the strong potential of radar imagery for volcanology and urban and mining subsidence studies. The next two chapters deal respectively with the use of remote sensing in locust control and the contribution of remote sensing to the epidemiology of infectious diseases. In the last ten years, spatial observation of the Earth—particularly continental surfaces—has expanded considerably with the launch of increasing numbers of satellites covering various applications (hydrology, biosphere, flow of surface, snow, ice, landslide, floods). This has paved the way for an explosion in the use of remote sensing data. This book offers essential coverage of space-based observation techniques for continental surfaces. The authors explore major applications and provide a corresponding detailed chapter for the physical principles, physics of measurement, and data processing requirements for each technique, bringing you up-to-date descriptions of techniques used by leading scientists in the field of remote sensing and Earth observation.
  • Sediment Provenance

    Influences on Compositional Change from Source to Sink
    • 1st Edition
    • Rajat Mazumder
    • English
    Sediment Provenance: Influences on Compositional Change from Source to Sink provides a thorough and inclusive overview that features data-based case studies on a broad range of dynamic aspects in sedimentary rock structure and deposition. Provenance data plays a critical role in a number of aspects of sedimentary rocks, including the assessment of palaeogeographic reconstructions, the constraints of lateral displacements in orogens, the characterization of crust which is no longer exposed, the mapping of depositional systems, sub-surface correlation, and in predicting reservoir quality. The provenance of fine-grained sediments—on a global scale—has been used to monitor crustal evolution, and sediment transport is paramount in considering restoration techniques for both watershed and river restoration. Transport is responsible for erosion, bank undercutting, sandbar formation, aggradation, gullying, and plugging, as well as bed form migration and generation of primary sedimentary structures. Additionally, the quest for reservoir quality in contemporary hydrocarbon exploration and extraction necessitates a deliberate focus on diagenesis. This book addresses all of these challenges and arms geoscientists with an all-in-one reference to sedimentary rocks, from source to deposition.
  • Sensitivity Analysis in Earth Observation Modelling

    • 1st Edition
    • George P. Petropoulos + 1 more
    • English
    Sensitivity Analysis in Earth Observation Modeling highlights the state-of-the-art in ongoing research investigations and new applications of sensitivity analysis in earth observation modeling. In this framework, original works concerned with the development or exploitation of diverse methods applied to different types of earth observation data or earth observation-based modeling approaches are included. An overview of sensitivity analysis methods and principles is provided first, followed by examples of applications and case studies of different sensitivity/uncertai... analysis implementation methods, covering the full spectrum of sensitivity analysis techniques, including operational products. Finally, the book outlines challenges and future prospects for implementation in earth observation modeling. Information provided in this book is of practical value to readers looking to understand the principles of sensitivity analysis in earth observation modeling, the level of scientific maturity in the field, and where the main limitations or challenges are in terms of improving our ability to implement such approaches in a wide range of applications. Readers will also be informed on the implementation of sensitivity/uncertai... analysis on operational products available at present, on global and continental scales. All of this information is vital in the selection process of the most appropriate sensitivity analysis method to implement.
  • Practical Petroleum Geochemistry for Exploration and Production

    • 1st Edition
    • Harry Dembicki
    • English
    Practical Petroleum Geochemistry for Exploration and Production provides readers with a single reference that addresses the principle concepts and applications of petroleum geochemistry used in finding, evaluating, and producing petroleum deposits. Today, there are few reference books available on how petroleum geochemistry is applied in exploration and production written specifically for geologists, geophysicists, and petroleum engineers. This book fills that void and is based on training courses that the author has developed over his 37-year career in hydrocarbon exploration and production. Specific topical features include the origin of petroleum, deposition of source rock, hydrocarbon generation, and oil and gas migrations that lead to petroleum accumulations. Also included are descriptions on how these concepts are applied to source rock evaluation, oil-to-oil, and oil-to-source rock correlations, and ways of interpreting natural gas data in exploration work. Finally, a thorough description on the ways petroleum geochemistry can assist in development and production work, including reservoir continuity, production allocation, and EOR monitoring is presented. Authored by an expert in petroleum geochemistry, this book is the ideal reference for any geoscientist looking for exploration and production content based on extensive field-based research and expertise.