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.

Books Journals

Mine Openings: Stability and Support

1st Edition
Volume 40
October 22, 2013
J. Aldorf + 1 more
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 4 4 4 5 9 8 0 7 3

In this book, the authors present a review of the methods used for the solution of problems of stability and support of mine workings, based on the study and analysis of the validity conditions of individual theoretical computing procedures. The classification of these methods, based on the analysis of factors determining the behaviour of a system of mine openings, should contribute to the greater objectivity of decisions connected with the management and control of mining operations and, from the educational point of view, enable the intricate problems of stability to be better understood. Chapters dealing with support structures and technologies of support review the present state of the art with special reference to problems prevailing in Europe where mining is carried out under continuously deteriorating and less favourable natural conditions.The authors have assembled the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for those to whom the book is addressed, namely, practising mining engineers and project managers, and students and graduates in mining colleges and schools.

Freshwater Ecosystems

1st Edition
October 22, 2013
A.H. Gnauck + 1 more
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 4 4 4 5 9 7 8 9 2

Ecosystem analysis and ecological modelling is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary branch of science used in theoretical developments in ecology and having practical applications in environmental protection. In this book, the authors introduce new holistic, particularly cybernetic, concepts into ecosystem theory and modelling, and provide a concise treatment of mathematical modelling of freshwater ecosystems which covers methods, subsystem models, applications and theoretical developments.Part I begins with a brief introduction to the principles of systems theory and their applications to ecosystems, and provides a summary of various methods of systems analysis. In Part II emphasis is laid on the pelagic processes in standing water, characterised by relatively uninvolved structures from which models can be readily developed. Part III describes applications of the technique of modelling to solutions of theoretical and practical problems, with different modelling methods and objectives being used in the various chapters. More recent developments in the methods and theory of ecosystem modelling are covered in Part IV which also includes a discussion of future trends. The book is addressed to practising ecologists and engineers in the fields of ecology, limnology, environmental protection, and water quality managements, as well as to graduate/post-gradua... university students in science and engineering. Students and researchers involved in environmental applications of mathematics and cybernetics will also find the book of interest.

Industrial Minerals and Rocks

1st Edition
Volume 18
October 22, 2013
M. Kucera
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 4 4 4 5 9 7 5 0 2

Industrial Minerals and Rocks is a collection of research papers concerning the study of industrial mineral deposits. This work is composed of 17 chapters that specifically highlight the research done by Czech and Slovak economic geologists in non-metallic deposits, including talc, magnesite, kaolin, and clay. After an introduction to the history of industrial minerals and rocks, this book goes on reviewing the origin, principal element cycle, genetic types, form, and size of these deposits. Considerable chapters describe the deposits of industrial minerals, rocks, and building raw materials. The remaining chapters deal with the geophysical methods prospecting and exploration and production of industrial raw materials, rocks, and minerals. This book will prove useful to mineral geologists and researchers.

Petrology of Metamorphic Rocks

1st Edition
Volume 9
October 22, 2013
M. Suk
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 9 1 8 7 1

Reviews Central European opinions about the origin and formation of metamorphic rocks and their genetic systems, incorporating the works of such distinguished European scientists as Rosenbusch, Becke, Niggli, Sander, Eskola, Barth and others with present-day knowledge and the results of Soviet and American investigations.

Karst Bauxites

1st Edition
Volume 14
October 22, 2013
G. Bárdossy
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 4 4 4 5 9 7 5 3 3

Karst Bauxites: Bauxite Deposits on Carbonate Rocks presents a comparison of bauxite regions using mathematical statistics methods. This book is divided into eight chapters that highlight the quantitative processing and assessment of the information available for bauxites. The opening chapters present observational and analytical evidence concerning karst bauxite, with particular emphasis on Hungarian bauxite deposits. The typical features of bauxites are analyzed from a variety of aspects and results from different bauxite regions are compared. Other chapters consider the feature of metamorphosed karst bauxites. The remaining chapters discuss the conditions of formation of karst bauxites and with the factors controlling their geographic and stratigraphic distribution. This book will prove useful to geologists, mineralogists, and researchers.

Soil Physics

1st Edition
Volume 25
October 22, 2013
A. Kézdi
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 4 4 4 5 9 8 0 6 6

Soil Physics: Selected Topics covers the results in the research field of soil physics, soil mechanics, and the behavior of real soils. This book is divided into six chapters and begins with an introduction to the study of the physical characteristics of soil and the complexity of superstructure of soil mechanics. The next chapter deals with the distribution of coarse grains according to their volume and the distribution of pore sizes in fine-grained materials. This chapter also describes the properties of granular mixtures and the compatibility of transition soils. The discussion then shifts to investigation of soil strength, particularly the strength of sand and transition soils, the tensile and shear strengths of cohesive soils, and brittle failure of soils. The remaining chapters consider the classification of soil phase movement phenomena. This book is intended primarily for practicing civil engineers.

Stress in Subsoil and Methods of Final Settlement Calculation

1st Edition
Volume 18
October 22, 2013
J. Feda
English
eBook
9 7 8 0 4 4 4 5 9 6 4 1 3

Developments in Geotechnical Engineering, Volume 18: Stress in Subsoil and Methods of Final Settlement Calculation reviews the method of settlement calculations based on stresses in the subsoil. This book is divided into three chapters. Chapter 1 deals with in situ stresses in the subsoil, while Chapter 2 focuses on the state of stress produced in the subsoil by external loads. The last chapter discusses the methods of calculating the final settlement, including remarks on the selection of deformation parameters. This publication also discusses the horizontal geostatic stress, surface loading of a half-space, method of oedometric compression, and finite element and allied methods. This volume is recommended for researchers and specialists of disciplines related to geotechnical engineering.

Gemmology

1st Edition
October 22, 2013
P. G. Read
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 1 4 4 6 7 2

Gemmology is a text for students preparing for the Gemmological Association's Preliminary and Diploma examinations. The book is more expansive and up-to-date than the author's earlier book, Beginner's Guide to Gemmology. The book deals with the practical and theoretical sides of gemmology. Tracing the background and science of gemmology, the book covers the gem material, geological formation, and occurrence of gemstones on the earth. The composition of gemstones from the atoms, elements, molecules, and compounds comprising them is analyzed, and the relationship between chemical composition and durability of the stone is explained. The basics of crystallography is mentioned as a tool toward understanding gemmology after which cleavage, parting, and fracture are done. A gemstone's durability and hardness and how the latter influences engineering tests and the mining techniques are compared. An important test technique to identify unmounted stones is the measure of specific gravity using displacement measurement methods and hydrostatic methods. After more descriptive details are given in identification of gemstones, whether these are synthetic or simulants, through a comprehensive explanation of the materials found in these other gemstones, the fashioning, through shaping or polishing, of gemstones is explained. Emphasis is given on the critical angle in which light rays pass in different rock densities, and then the cutting styles, gemstone polishing, and grading are discussed. Students studying for the Gemmological Association's Preliminary and Diploma examinations, jewelers, lapidarists, and diamond cutters, as well as those engaged in the hobby of gemmology, will find this book helpful and full of information toward their endeavors and hobbies.

Waves, Tides and Shallow Water Processes

1st Edition
October 22, 2013
Open Open University
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 9 2 7 1 7

Waves, Tides and Shallow-Water Processes is designed as a textbook on Oceanography, intended for Open University students. The text covers aspects on waves, tides, and shallow-water processes. Chapter 1 describes the qualitative aspects of water waves, briefly reviews modern methods of wave measurement, and explores some of the simple relationships of wave dimensions and characteristics. Chapter 2 outlines the mechanism of tides. This chapter also deals with the interaction of the tide with shoals, coasts and estuaries, and with the prediction of both normal and abnormal tides. Chapter 3 introduces the nature of shallow marine sediments and the types of environments in which they are deposited. Chapter 4 considers, in general terms, the physical conditions that lead to the erosion, transport and deposition of sediment by flowing water. Chapter 5 examines the conditions under which sediment is moved by waves, the rate at which it is moved and the way in which waves enhance currents. Chapter 6 examines two types of coastal areas where tidal processes are more important than wave processes: tidal flats and estuaries. Chapter 7 explains how the differences in the relative influences of rivers, tidal currents and wave energy lead to differences in sediment dispersal and give various types of deltas their characteristic shapes. Chapter 8 outlines how currents and waves can affect sediments in water as deep as the shelf break, and considers how sediment transport paths across the sea-bed in current dominated shelf seas can be determined. Finally, an outline is given of the mineral resources of continental shelf areas. Oceanographers and students of oceanography will find the book very useful and educational.

Natural Therapy

1st Edition
October 22, 2013
Thomas D. Luke + 1 more
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 1 9 4 0 9 7

Natural Therapy: A Manual of Physiotherapeutics and Climatology discusses natural ways of healing and treating certain diseases and disorders. The authors discuss the use of water in bath-treatments as used by John Smedley, Winternitz, or through methods known as "Kaltwasser Kuranstalten," or "Kneipp cure." The book explains the general principles of hydrotherapy or the systematic application of water at different temperatures in varying ways to the body surface. Water can have a therapeutic effect due to its temperature, volume, mechanical means, and chemical forms. The authors also discuss taking baths including general precautions (after physical exertion), techniques (arm, foot bath), use of drip sheet, and douches. Water in Nauheim baths are either naturally or artificial charged, in varying degrees, with carbonic acid gas, and mixed with small amounts of chloride and sulphate of soda. The bath is good for the circulatory system. The authors discuss other natural methods of treatment such as steam bath, massages, hydro-electric baths, and special diet cures. This book can be helpful for care givers, health workers, physical therapists, practioners of alternative or holistic medicine, and general readers who have an interest in natural treatment and healing.

Related subjects

Atmospheric science

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Earth surface processes

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Geotechnical engineering engineering geology

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Space and planetary science

Life Sciences

Physical Sciences & Engineering

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