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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.

  • Geological Strain Analysis

    A Manual for the Rf/Ø Method
    • 1st Edition
    • R. J. Lisle
    • English
    The trend towards a more quantitative approach in structural geology has stimulated the development of a number of techniques for determining the strain in deformed rocks of which the most widely used is one called the Rf/&fgr; method. With more than 100 applications of the technique published in the literature this is a timely work, describing as it does the practicalities of the method and its recent refinements. The comprehensive collection of standard graphs, indispensable for the determination of the strain, has never previously been widely available.
  • Spatial Database Transfer Standards

    Current International Status
    • 1st Edition
    • H. Moellering
    • English
    Since the 1960's individuals and organisations throughout the world have been building geographic databases used in conjunction with geographic hardware and software systems to collect, analyse, display and archive digital data. Through the years it was recognised that efficiencies could be gained if the geographic database built by one group could be used by multiple users across different computer systems and formats. Therefore, it was acknowledged that spatial database transfer standards were needed to facilitate the exchange and transfer of digital geographic data.Throughout the 1980's several organisations worldwide began working on the problem of producing spatial database transfer standards. As this work was initiated, research workers began to informally compare notes and developments. The International Cartographic Association [ICA], recognising the worldwide importance of standards, organised a Standards Working Group. The initial goal of this working group was to produce a monograph reporting on the present state of development in digital database transfer standards.This book is a unique collection of reports by individual nations and international organisations that describe existing geographic standards and summarize efforts to develop geographic database transfer standards worldwide.
  • An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology

    • 3rd Edition
    • Volume 48
    • Renata Dmowska
    • English
    Dynamic meteorology is the study of those motions of the atmosphere that are associated with weather and climate. The science of dynamic meteorology continues its rapid advance, and its scope has broadened considerably. There continue to be important new developments in the analysis and prediction of extratropical synoptic-scale systems. Important progress has been made in the understanding of mesoscale storms, in tropical dynamics, in the dynamics of climate, and in the dynamics of the middle atmosphere.An Introduction to Dynamic Meteorology, Third Edition reflects the full scope of modern dynamic meteorology, while providing a coherent presentation of the fundamentals. The text emphasizes physical principles rather than mathematical elegance.
  • Seismic Applications of Acoustic Reciprocity

    • 1st Edition
    • J.T. Fokkema + 1 more
    • English
    The seismic applications of the reciprocity theorem developed in this book are partly based on lecture notes and publications from Professor de Hoop. Every student Professor de Hoop has taught knows the egg-shaped figure (affectionately known as "de Hoop's egg") that plays such an important role in his theoretical description of acoustic, electromagnetic and elastodynamic wave phenomena.On the one hand this figure represents the domain for the application of a reciprocity theorem in the analysis of a wavefield and on the other hand it symbolizes the power of a consistent wavefield description of this theorem.The roots of the reciprocity theorem lie in Green's theorem for Laplace's equation and Helmholtz's extension to the wave equation. In 1894, J.W. Strutt, who later became Lord Rayleigh, introduced in his book The Theory of Sound this extension under the name of Helmholtz's theorem. Nowadays it is known as Rayleigh's reciprocity theorem.Progress in seismic data processing requires the knowledge of all the theoretical aspects of the acoustic wave theory. The reciprocity theorem was chosen as the central theme of this book as it constitutes the fundaments of the seismic wave theory. In essence, two states are distinguished in this theorem. These can be completely different, although sharing the same time-invariant domain of application, and they are related via an interaction quantity. The particular choice of the two states determines the acoustic application, in turn making it possible to formulate the seismic experiment in terms of a geological system response to a known source function.In linear system theory, it is well known that the response to a known input function can be written as an integral representation where the impulse response acts as a kernel and operates on the input function. Due to the temporal invariance of the system, this integral representation is of the convolution type. In seismics, the temporal behaviour of the system is dealt with in a similar fashion; however the spatial interaction needs a different approach. The reciprocity theorem handles this interaction by identifying one state with the spatial impulse function, also known as the Green's function, while the other state is connected with the actual source distribution. In general, the resulting integral representation is not a spatial convolution. Moreover, the systematic use of the reciprocity theorem leads to a hierarchical description of the seismic experiment in terms of increasing complexity. Also from an educational point of view this approach provides a hierarchy and the student learns to break down the seismic problem into constituent partial solutions.This book should contribute to the understanding that the reciprocity theorem is a powerful tool in the analysis of the seismic experiment.
  • Physical Characteristics of Soils, Plasticity, Settlement Calculations, Interpretation of In-Situ Tests

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume I
    • English
    Practical Problems in Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, 1: Physical Characteristics of Soils, Plasticity, Settlement Calculations, Interpretation of In-Situ Tests presents the analysis and calculation procedures for the solution of geotechnical problems. The book contains example problems with detailed step-by-step solutions. The text emphasizes the application of theoretical soil mechanics to geotechnical engineering. Chapters provide example problems and solutions on the physical characteristics of soil, water in the soil, settlement calculations, plasticity and shear strength, plastic equilibrium, and interpretation of in-situ tests. Civil engineers and civil engineering students will find the book highly useful.
  • Prospecting and Exploration of Mineral Deposits

    • 2nd Edition
    • Volume 21
    • M. Böhmer + 1 more
    • English
    This is the completely revised edition of a book which was published in 1978 and, such was its popularity, was sold out within two years. It was described as ``An excellent compilation and condensation of a vast field of literature and experience in economic geology. Clear illustrations, charts and tables punctuate the text material very nicely... Valuable for all economic geologists and resource developers.'' (Choice).The material is illustrated by 215 text figures and 76 tables, and is presented in two parts. The first part covers the geological background of the genesis of mineral deposits as a clue to new discoveries, and the methods of geological, geochemical and geophysical prospecting. The second part concerns sampling, documentation and computation of ore reserves and economic assessment of mineral deposits. This new edition has been very extensively revised and brought up to date. This holds true particularly for the chapters on geochemical and geophysical methods, the use of photo-geology and satellite imagery, oil and gas prospecting, exploration of underwater minerals, the application of the principles of global tectonics in prospecting for deposits, and the evaluation of reserves. These new or thoroughly revised chapters comprise almost half of the entire text.
  • Statistics and Data Analysis in Geochemical Prospecting

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 2
    • R.J. Howarth
    • English
    Handbook of Exploration Geochemistry, Volume 2: Statistics and Data Analysis in Geochemical Prospecting aims to survey the techniques available for the quality control of laboratory data, storage and retrieval of field and laboratory information, statistical analysis of single- and multi-element data, and presentation of geochemical data as maps. The selection first elaborates on data storage and retrieval, control procedures in geochemical analysis, and univariate analysis. Discussions focus on analysis of variance, density distribution, probability graphs, statistical basis of analytical quality control, laboratory control procedures, data storage media, data organization, programming considerations, and generalized data systems. The book then takes a look at sampling methodology, mapping, and multivariate analysis. Concerns cover correlation, cluster analysis, regression, partial correlation, class selection techniques, map filtering techniques, cross-correlation maps, strategies for optimum sampling design, and search techniques. The manuscript elaborates on examples of geochemical data processing in Africa, mathematical and statistical activity in North America, statistical models for geochemical anomalies, geochemical characterization of tin granites in northern Thailand, and use of pattern classification methods in till geochemistry. The selection is highly recommended for researchers interested in statistics and data analysis in geochemical prospecting.
  • Quantitative and Statistical Approaches to Geography

    A Practical Manual
    • 1st Edition
    • John A. Matthews
    • W. B. Fisher
    • English
    Quantitative and Statistical Approaches to Geography: A Practical Manual is a practical introduction to some quantitative and statistical techniques of use to geographers and related scientists. This book is composed of 15 chapters, each begins with an outline of the purpose and necessary mechanics of a technique or group of techniques and is concluded with exercises and the particular approach adopted. These exercises aim to enhance student's ability to use the techniques as part of the process by which sound judgments are made according to scientific standards while tackling complex problems. After a brief introduction to the principles of quantitative and statistical geography, this book goes on dealing with the topics of measures of central tendency; probability statements and maps; the problem of time-dependence, time-series analysis, non-normality, and data transformations; and the elements of sampling methodology. Other chapters cover the confidence intervals and estimation from samples, statistical hypothesis testing, analysis of contingency tests, and non-parametric tests for independent and dependent samples. The final chapters consider the evaluation of correlation coefficients, regression prediction, and choice and limitations of statistical techniques. This book is of value to undergraduate geography students.
  • Atmospheric Phenomena

    The Collected Works of Irving Langmuir with Contributions in Memoriam Including a Complete Bibliography of His Works
    • 1st Edition
    • C. Guy Suits
    • English
    Atmospheric Phenomenon is composed of different essays written or co-authored by Irving Langmuir. The essays explore the different parts that form the atmosphere. A section of the book describes the evaporation of small spheres. Another section is about the radial flow in rotating liquids. The book also covers the light signals in aviation and navigation. An essay that describes the airplane tracks in the surface of stratus clouds is then provided. Some of the essays contained in a section in the book focus on the process of cloud seeding. This section explores such topics as smoke filters, cloud droplets, and water droplet trajectories. Another section in the book is especially devoted to the methods of cloud seeding using dry ice, silver iodide, and sodium chloride. The book can be a useful tool for aviation scientists, engineers in the field of aerial navigation, and individuals whose field of study is mainly on weather manipulation and control.
  • Your Solar Energy Home

    Including Wind and Methane Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Derek Howell
    • English
    Your Solar Energy Home: Including Wind and Methane Applications considers the worldwide domestic use of solar energy. This book is divided into 18 chapters that also cover the consumption of wind energy and methane. The opening chapters present data on solar energy usage in various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Canada. The succeeding chapters deal with the collection and storage of solar energy, as well as the design and production of solar collector. Other chapters describe scheme for solar home heating and solar domestic hot water. These topics are followed by discussions of wind and water power schemes. The final chapters highlight the production, use, and economics of methane gas.