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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.

    • Descriptive Physical Oceanography

      • 4th Edition
      • October 22, 2013
      • George L. Pickard + 1 more
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 0 8 0 2 6 2 7 9 6
      • eBook
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 7 8 7 7 3
      Descriptive Physical Oceanography: An Introduction, Fourth Enlarged Edition considers the synoptic or descriptive aspects of physical oceanography with considerable illustrative materials and some 45 additional figures. This book is divided into nine chapters, and begins with an introduction to the basic goal of physical oceanographic study. The next chapters describe the features of the ocean basins, physical properties of seawater, and the ocean's distribution of water characteristics. These topics are followed by discussions of the conservation of seawater volume and salt; the techniques and methods of physical oceanography; and the general features of the main ocean circulations, as well as the circulation and character of the water masses in the individual oceans. The final chapters examine some of the characteristics of coastal oceanography. This book will prove useful to undergraduate and graduate students with oceanography and related subjects.
    • Trace Elements in Igneous Petrology

      • 1st Edition
      • Volume 5
      • October 22, 2013
      • C.J. Allègre + 1 more
      • English
      • eBook
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 8 9 5 9 5
      Trace Elements in Igneous Petrology, 5: Developments in Petrology: A Volume in Memory of Paul W. Gast focuses on the contributions and influence of Gast in petrology, including crystallization, magmatic processes, isotopic composition, and ocean ridge basalt chemistry. The selection first takes a look at quantitative models of trace element behavior in magmatic processes; application of trace elements to the petrogenesis of igneous rocks of granitic composition; and an assessment of local and regional isotopic equilibrium in the mantle. Discussions focus on evidence derived from time constraints, scale of isotopic disequilibrium, fractional crystallization, trace element modeling, geodynamics and tectonic setting, partition coefficients, quantitative models for trace elements, and parameter determination and inverse-problem solution. The publication then examines the isotopic composition of lead in oceanic basalt and its implication to mantle evolution; strontium isotopes in basalts from the Pacific Ocean basin; and trace elements in ocean ridge basalts. Concerns cover variations in ocean ridge basalt chemistry, trace elements in ocean ridge basalts, disequilibrium partial melting, seawater alteration, background for lead isotope tracer studies, and uranium, thorium, and lead concentrations in basalts. The book examines trace elements and anorthosite genesis, lead isotopes in Archaean plutonic rocks, early Archaean rocks and geochemical evolution of the earth's crust, and factors controlling the noble gas abundance patterns of deep-sea basalts. The selection is a valuable source of data for researchers interested in petrology.
    • Contouring

      • 1st Edition
      • Volume 10
      • October 22, 2013
      • Debbie Watson
      • Daniel F Merriam
      • English
      • eBook
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 8 7 3 5 5
      This unique book is the key to computer contouring, exploring in detail the practice and principles using a personal computer. Contouring allows a three dimensional view in two dimensions and is a fundamental technique to represent spatial data. All aspects of this type of representation are covered including data preparation, selecting contour intervals, interpolation and griding, computing volumes and output and display.Formulated for both the novice and the experienced user, this book initially conducts the reader through a step by step explanation of PC software and its application to personal data, and then presents the rationale and concepts for contouring using the computer.Accompanyin... the book is a set of BASIC programs, in ASCII format, on an MS-DOS 360KB floppy disk. These programs implement eighteen interpolation methods, five gradient estimation techniques, and seven types of display, and are designed to be adapted or combined to suit a wide range of possible objectives concerning either the comparative study of contouring methodology or the practical production of contour displays.
    • Advances in Irrigation

      • 1st Edition
      • October 22, 2013
      • Daniel Hillel
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 0 1 8 4 9
      • eBook
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 1 5 2 7 3
      Advances in Irrigation, Volume 3 covers state-of-the-art reviews of topics related to the rapidly advancing theory and practice of irrigation. The book presents articles on the design development and evaluation of the first- and second-generation traveling trickle irrigation system and the management and control options for efficient irrigation and various cultivation practices; as well as the irrigation practice for crop culture in the Southeastern United States. The text also includes articles on the application of time-domain reflectometry to irrigation scheduling; the aspects of water management and irrigation in India based on physiological and phenological considerations; and the estimation and quantification of evapotranspiration. An article on a model simulating water stress effects on corn yield is also encompassed. Agronomists, hydraulic engineers, and agriculturists will find the book invaluable.
    • Geomorphological Processes

      • 1st Edition
      • October 22, 2013
      • E Derbyshire + 2 more
      • K. J. Gregory
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 1 7 6 5 9 8
      • eBook
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 1 9 2 4 0 6
      Geomorphological Processes describes land forms and land form changes, particularly regarding the rates of operation of these events. This book describes the mechanics of the geomorphological processes; the text also shows the application of an equation to explain trends in geomorphology that involves land forms (or results, a dependent variable), processes, and materials (both independent variables). The authors explain endogenetic and exogenetic processes, as well as the control systems approach. They explain the drainage basin processes which collect, concentrate, and promote water mobility and sedimentation. They also discuss the coastal processes concerning waves, tidal variations, sediment budgets, hydrodynamics of near-shore zones; the book also addresses shoreline configuration, planning, and coastal protection. The authors analyze the cryonival and glacial process such as the formation of ice in the landscape, glacial erosion, debris entrainment, meltwater erosion, and glaci-aquatic sedimentation. The text shows the difficulty of measuring the parameters in the relationship between water action and sediment movement. This book is intended for first or second year students in geology, hydrology, and those whose majors are in meteorology. It can also benefit readers whose interest lie with the environment or with the general earth sciences.
    • Analytical Methods For Geochemical Exploration

      • 1st Edition
      • October 22, 2013
      • J. C. Van Loon + 1 more
      • English
      • eBook
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 8 9 3 0 4
      Written for the practicing analyst, Analytical Methods for Geochemical Exploration offers thoroughly tested chemical analysis methods for determining what base or precious metals are in geochemical exploration samples, such as rocks, soil, or sediment. Theory is kept to a minimum and complete procedures are provided so that no additional sources are needed to conduct analyses.
    • Paleoethnobotany

      • 1st Edition
      • October 22, 2013
      • Deborah M. Pearsall
      • English
      • eBook
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 8 8 9 6 3
      This book describes the approaches and techniques of paleoethnobotany--th... study of the interrelationships between human populations and the plant world through the archaeological record. Its purpose is twofold. First, it assembles in one volume the three major methods of paleoethnobotany, the analysis of macroremains, pollen analysis, and phytolith analysis, for the student or professional interested in the field. Second, it presents on paleoethnobotanist's view of the discipline: its past, present, and future, its strengths and weaknesses, and its role in modern archaeology.
    • Extractive Metallurgy of Copper

      • 3rd Edition
      • October 22, 2013
      • A.K. Biswas + 1 more
      • English
      • eBook
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 8 7 8 5 0
      A completely revised and up-to-date edition containing comprehensive industrial data. The many significant changes which occurred during the 1980s and 1990s are chronicled. Modern high intensity smelting processes are presented in detail, specifically flash, Contop, Isasmelt, Noranda, Teniente and direct-to-blister smelting. Considerable attention is paid to the control of SO2 emissions and manufacture of H2SO4. Recent developments in electrorefining, particularly stainless steel cathode technology are examined. Leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning are evaluated together with their impact upon optimizing mineral resource utilization. The volume targets the recycling of copper and copper alloy scrap as an increasingly important source of copper and copper alloys. Copper quality control is also discussed and the book incorporates an important section on extraction economics.Each chapter is followed by a summary of concepts previously described and offers suggested further reading and references.
    • Nitrogen in the Marine Environment

      • 1st Edition
      • October 22, 2013
      • Edward J. Carpenter + 1 more
      • English
      • eBook
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 8 8 2 9 1
      Nitrogen in the Marine Environment provides information pertinent to the many aspects of the nitrogen cycle. This book presents the advances in ocean productivity research, with emphasis on the role of microbes in nitrogen transformations with excursions to higher trophic levels. Organized into 24 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the abundance and distribution of the various forms of nitrogen in a number of estuaries. This text then provides a comparison of the nitrogen cycling of various ecosystems within the marine environment. Other chapters consider chemical distributions and methodology as an aid to those entering the field. This book discusses as well the enzymology of the initial steps of inorganic nitrogen assimilation. The final chapter deals with the philosophy and application of modeling as an investigative method in basic research on nitrogen dynamics in coastal and open-ocean marine environments. This book is a valuable resource for plant biochemists, microbiologists, aquatic ecologists, and bacteriologists.
    • Geomorphology and Natural Hazards

      • 1st Edition
      • October 22, 2013
      • M. Morisawa
      • English
      • eBook
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 9 0 5 4 6
      The theme of this proceedings volume is the latest research on geomorphic characteristics and processes associated with natural hazards. Presentations cover a gamut of types of disasters throughout the world, describing research and applications of studies in the U.S. and other countries. The book begins with a collection of papers giving a basic background and philosophy of approaching an understanding of natural disasters. These are followed by papers on natural hazards in coastal areas, mountainous regions, landslides, flooding and the detrimental effects of permafrost.The book should prove valuable in gaining an insight of natural hazards and their geomorphic relations, which is imperative for prudent environmental planning in coping with disasters.