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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.

  • Dynamics of Climate

    The Proceedings of a Conference on the Application of Numerical Integration Techniques to the Problem of the General Circulation Held October 26-28, 1955
    • 1st Edition
    • Richard L Pfeffer
    • English
    Dynamics of Climate covers the proceedings of a Conference on the Application of Numerical Integration Techniques to the Problem of the General Circulation, held in Princeton University on October 26-28, 1955. This conference considers the problems involved in studying the general circulation of the earth's atmosphere by the numerical integration of suitable mathematical models. This book is organized into five parts encompassing 20 chapters. After providing a brief introduction to the subject, this book goes on dealing with the problem of forecasting climatic fluctuations. The second part discusses the numerical prediction and the general circulation of the atmosphere up to mean zonal circulation cause by topography and heating. The third part surveys other studies of the general circulation and climatic change, particularly the Earth's atmosphere and the main effect of the unequal heating. The fourth part covers the radiation studies including problems involved in introducing the long-wave radiative effects and the potential theory formulation of radiative-heat transfer which unveils some notations that will be used to express mathematical statements. The fifth part looks into the energy transformation, further researches, and other applications of these discoveries. This book is of value to meteorologists, mathematicians, and researchers in other climate-related fields.
  • Evolution and Mineralization of the Arabian–Nubian Shield

    Proceedings of a Symposium Held at Faculty of Earth Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
    • 1st Edition
    • Sam Stuart
    • English
    Evolution and Mineralization of the Arabian-Nubian Shield, Volume 4 documents the proceedings of a Symposium on the exposure of Precambrian crystalline rocks on the borders of the Red Sea. This book is divided into five main topics— structure and evolution; metallogenesis; plutonic and volcanic rocks; stratigraphy; and ophiolites. In these topics, this text specifically discusses the sedimentary rocks and basins of the Arabian Shield and their evolution; gold deposits associated with the Jabal Ishmas-Wadi Tathlith fault zone; and Arabian Shield granite traverse. The tentative correlation of the Precambrian rock units of Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Egypt; geology and lithostratigraphy of the Arabian Desert orogenic belt of Egypt between latitudes 25° 35’ and 26° 30’ N; and comparison of the Bir Umq and Hamdah ultrabasic complexes are also deliberated. This text is a good reference for students and individuals interested in the Arabian-Nubian Shield.
  • Geomorphology: The Research Frontier and Beyond

    Proceedings of the 24th Binghamton Symposium in Geomorphology, August 25, 1993
    • 1st Edition
    • J.D. Vitek + 1 more
    • English
    Perspectives on the future directions of research in geomorphology form the major theme of this volume. Ten geomorphologists were asked to "star-gaze", that is provide opinions about the future direction of their specialty. Each paper is supported by the literature that currently defines the research frontier.
  • Overvoltage Research and Geophysical Applications

    International Series of Monographs on Earth Sciences
    • 1st Edition
    • James R. Wait
    • English
    Overvoltage Research and Geophysical Applications deals with the subject of overvoltage (or induced electrical polarization) as it relates to geophysical exploration. This book presents the results of theoretical and experimental research conducted between 1946 and 1958 to investigate overvoltage and sponsored by Newmont Mining Corporation. This book is comprised of 10 chapters and begins with a brief overview of the history of Newmont's interest in overvoltage. The next chapter describes a theory for induced polarization effects (for step-function excitation), with particular reference to a mathematical formulation that represents the volume distribution of dipolar sources. The reader is then introduced to a brief theoretical derivation for the effective conductivity and dielectric constant of a homogeneous medium loaded with a uniform distribution of spherical conducting particles. The following chapters explore the complex conductivity of rocks as a function of frequency; laboratory studies of induced polarization in mineralized and non-mineralized rock specimens; induced polarization decay curves on rock specimens; and phenomena resulting from electric polarization of rocks at low frequencies. Some electrical transient measurements on igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks are presented. The final chapter considers various explanations of the normal effect and describes induced-polarization experiments. This monograph will be of interest to geophysicists.
  • Basic Hydrology

    • 1st Edition
    • James J Sharp + 1 more
    • English
    BASIC Hydrology offers a wide discussion on hydrology. The text contains the combined application of BASIC programming and engineering discipline along with various related studies, facts, and guidelines. In Chapter 1, the book focuses on defining BASIC hydrology and discussing what kind of a programming language BASIC is. The chapter’s introduction notes that BASIC stands for Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. In Chapter 2, the book highlights the elements of hydrology and presents a table containing information on the world distribution of water. The next couple of chapters discuss precipitation, evaporation, and its relevant subtopics; these chapters also include tables, figures, and math formulas. Chapter 5 widely talks about frequency and provides the topic’s definition, related math formulas, and illustrations. In the three remaining chapters, the book discusses the stream flow, the unit of hydrology, and the supply and demand of water. These topics also include explanations, math formulas, and illustrations. The book serves as a valuable reference for undergraduates or postgraduates of engineering, chemistry, physics, and other relevant courses.
  • Progress in Surface and Membrane Science

    Volume 6
    • 1st Edition
    • J. F. Danielli + 2 more
    • English
    Progress in Surface and Membrane Science, Volume 6 covers the developments in the study of surface and membrane science. The book discusses the progress in surface and membrane science; the solid state chemistry of the silver halide surface; and the experimental and theoretical aspects of the double layer at the mercury-solution interface. The text also describes contact-angle hysteresis; ion binding and ion transport produced by neutral lipid-soluble molecules; and the biophysical interactions of blood proteins with polymeric and artificial surfaces. Physical chemists, biophysicists, and physiologists will find the book invaluable.
  • Earth and Cosmos

    A Book Relating the Environment of Man on Earth to the Environment of Earth in the Cosmos
    • 1st Edition
    • Robert S. Kandel
    • English
    Earth and Cosmos presents a comprehensive view of the many connections between the environment of Man on Earth and the environment of the Earth in the cosmos. Topics covered range from matter, radiation, and the basic forces of nature to Earth's relation to the universe, the galaxy, and the sun. The energy balance and global circulation of the atmosphere are also discussed, along with continents, oceans, and climate. This book is comprised of 13 chapters and begins with an overview of the environment of Man on Earth, with emphasis on the Earth's chemical composition and how it is related to both cosmic and terrestrial processes; the radiation environment at the Earth's surface and above; how the atmosphere interacts with both solar and terrestrial radiation; and climate. The following chapters explore matter, radiation, and the laws of nature in relation to the universe; how the terrestrial environment is related to the structure of the universe as a whole; how the composition of the solar system and the Earth reflects the history of the galaxy; and the stability of the Earth's environment. The origins of life on Earth and the impact of human activities on the planet are also considered. The last chapter speaks of the future of humanity, and notably of the problem of the population explosion and its consequences. This monograph will be of interest to students, astronomers, planetary scientists, astrophysicists, biologists, chemists, and geologists.
  • Recent Crustal Movements, 1979

    Proceedings of the IUGG Interdisciplinary Symposium No. 9, Recent Crustal Movements, Canberra, A.C.T., Australia, December 13—14, 1979
    • 1st Edition
    • P. Vyskočil + 2 more
    • English
    Developments in Geotectonics, 16: Recent Crustal Movements, 1979 covers the proceedings of the IUGG Interdisciplinary Symposium No. 9, ""Recent Crustal Movements"", held in Canberra, A.C.T., Australia on December 13-14, 1979. The book focuses on instruments and methods for the determination of crustal movements; methods of evaluating crustal movements; and interpretation of the crustal structure and crustal movements with the assistance of other geophysical data. The selection first offers information on the design and error characteristics of a fundamental global geodetic network; state and prospects of development of high-precision geodetic methods for studying crustal movements; and interferometric techniques for measuring horizontal earth crustal movements. The text then takes a look at the vertical crustal movements of the Carpatho-Balkan region and height changes and vertical crustal movements in Western German areas. Discussions focus on vertical movements map, instrumental improvements for the observation of vertical crustal movements, and map of height changes and vertical crustal movements. The text ponders on the episodic block motion and convergence along the Calaveras fault in central California and complete determination of local crustal deformation from geodetic observations. The selection is a valuable source of data for geologists and readers interested in crustal movements.
  • Progress in Surface and Membrane Science

    Volume 9
    • 1st Edition
    • D. A. Cadenhead + 2 more
    • English
    Progress in Surface and Membrane Science, Volume 9 covers the developments in surface and membrane science. The book discusses the physical adsorption of gases and vapors in micropores; the chemisorption theory; and the role of radioisotopes in the studies of chemisorption and catalysis. The text also describes the interaction of ions with monolayers; and the isolation and characterization of mycoplasma membranes. Chemists, physical chemists, and microbiologists will find the book useful.
  • An Introduction to the Study of Fabrics of Geological Bodies

    • 1st Edition
    • Bruno Sander
    • English
    An Introduction to the Study of Fabrics of Geological Bodies introduces the reader to the method of fabric studies in accordance with the principles of symmetrology, with emphasis on the link between morphological and functional fabrics. Topics covered include affine and non-affine movement-pictures; movement and symmetry of tectonic deformation; tectonics and fluid mechanics; and movement and symmetry of apposition. Some examples of the use and definition of fabric studies are presented. This book is divided into two parts and begins with an overview of the concepts and objectives of fabric studies, paying particular attention to symmetry and rhythm in morphological and functional fabrics; the movement-picture of affine deformations; and non-affine deformation by gliding on a single set of planes. The discussion then turns to the distribution of planar and linear parallel-fabrics in geological bodies; constructive restoration of earlier geometry of tectonic fabrics; tectonics of intrusives with a high susceptibility to componental movement; and mechanical deformation and metamorphism of rocks. The general characteristics of grain-fabrics are also described. This monograph will be a useful resource for geologists and those working in the fields of mineralogy and petrography.