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

Methods in Palaeomagnetism

1st Edition
October 22, 2013
D.W. Collinson + 2 more
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 7 4 9 9 7

Methods in Paleomagnetism covers the proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute on Paleomagnetic Methods, held in the Physics Department of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne on April 1-10, 1964. The book focuses on apparatus and techniques used in paleomagnetism and rock magnetism. The selection first offers information on sampling techniques in the field and measurement of natural remanent magnetization. Discussions focus on ballistic and spinner magnetometers; paleomagnetic sampling with a portable coring drill; portable apparatus for collecting small oriented cores; and portable field-sampling equipment. The book also takes a look at procedures to test the stability of magnetization, as well as physical properties of demagnetization; thermal demagnetization by the continuous method; and apparatus for thermal demagnetization by the progressive method. The text ponders on measurement of isotropic and anisotropic susceptibility and magnetic measurements in applied fields. Topics include preliminary account of a refined technique for magnetic susceptibility anisotropy measurement of rocks; errors in anisotropy measurements with the torsion balance; and measurement of the anisotropy of the susceptibility with an astatic magnetometer. The selection is a valuable reference for readers interested in paleomagnetism.

Geosynclines

1st Edition
October 22, 2013
Jean Aubouin
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 7 4 9 3 5

Geosynclines is devoted to the geosynclines concept, which states that the most elevated parts of the earth's crust—the mountains—had risen by a gigantic inversion of relief from the more depressed regions where they had originated. This book re-examines the concept in light of further geological evidence. The book is organized into four parts. Part I presents a detailed account of the birth and development of the geosynclinal concept. It shows that only the European (Alpine) concept of the geosyncline involves a fundamental palaeogeographical differentiation of mountain chains, and that it is from this standpoint that the American concept must be considered if it is to be placed in a more general framework. Part II attempts to define the geosynclinal concept in the Alpine sense of the term: i.e., in the light of current views on the Mediterranean chains of the Alpine cycle, which are the best documented. Part III collates the information acquired on the various aspects of geosynclines as exemplified by the Mediterranean chains of the Alpine cycle. Part IV discusses the degree to which the ""Alpine"" concept of the geosyncline may be extended in time.

Continental Drift

1st Edition
Volume 3
October 22, 2013
S. K. Runcorn
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 8 2 0 9 1

Continental Drift brings together within one volume a discussion of the geophysical evidence relating to horizontal movements in the earth's crust in its widest sense. This is not the time for a reappraisal of the work of German meteorologist Alfred Wegener, but it is hoped that this volume will stimulate a serious interest in a subject formerly considered by many earth scientists as already closed. The book contains 12 chapters and begins with a discussion of paleomagnetic evidence for continental drift and its geophysical cause. This is followed by separate chapters on of paleoclimatic evidence on the paleomagnetic latitudes given by paleomagnetism; studies of earthquake mechanism; movements on major transcurrent faults; and magnetic evidence for horizontal displacements in the floor of the Pacific Ocean. Subsequent chapters deal with thermal convection in the earth's mantle; the theory of convection in spherical shells and its application to the problem of thermal convection in the earth's mantle; mountain-building hypotheses; and investigations of the deep-sea floor.

Paleotemperature Analysis

1st Edition
Volume 2
October 22, 2013
Robert Bowen
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 7 5 0 6 2

Methods in Geochemistry and Geophysics, 2: Paleotemperature Analysis focuses on the paleotemperature-ana... method, including the use of oxygen isotopes in carbonate analysis and in advancing knowledge on paleoclimates. The manuscript first offers information on the isotopes of oxygen as climatic indicators and sampling of fossil organisms, as well as oxygen and paleotemperatures, belemnoidea, and other fossils. The book also ponders on chemical techniques and mass spectrometric methods. Discussions focus on thermal and acid decomposition of carbonates, slow formation of carbonate solids, precipitation of carbonate, and mass spectrometry. The text examines paleotemperature scales and magnesium and strontium concentrations. Topics include salinity, standards, magnesium and strontium contents, history of sea water, and Mccrea's carbonate paleotemperature scale. The publication also takes a look at paleozoic, Jurassic, cretaceous, and tertiary and Pleistocene paleotemperatures. The publication is a dependable reference for readers interested in paleotemperatures.

Thematic Mapping from Satellite Imagery

1st Edition
October 22, 2013
J. Denègre
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 9 2 4 9 6

This report, produced between 1984 and 1987 in a bilingual edition (English and French), provides a wealth of information on a wide variety of cartographic applications which are being developed to make effective use of new data that is now being collected by Earth observation satellites. At a time when natural resource development and environmental problems have to be taken into account in their entirety, satellites provide an exceptional means of evaluating, synthesizing and creating geographic information. The production of new images, such as the Landsat Thematic Mapper, the SPOT High Resolution Visible Sensor and the adoption meteorological images such as AVHRR sensors on NOAA satellites, which have been extended to thematic domains such as agriculture and glaciology, have led to many new developments as well as problems for the cartographer. These problems are numerous and varied and recur frequently depending on the images and themes being processed e.g. how to select the graphic specification of maps and legends and account for classification accuracy; how to introduce the minimum of topographical data into an image in order to supply users with an adequate geographic reference; when using a physical terrain image, on which, by definition there are no `blanks' and where no details have been eliminated, how to overcome conceptual difficulties e.g. the side by side placing of different semiological information; the interpretation levels left to reader; achieving a balance between objectivity and readability. Obviously the cartographers role is of prime importance in solving these problems. In order to illustrate the way in which this information is presented, the report provides samples from 33 thematic applications taken from 13 different categories, including agriculture, town planning and water resources. Each application is provided with a descriptive note both in English and French indicating the objective, method and results obtained. This volume provides an important record of current developments in thematic mapping from satellite imagery and should be essential reference for all cartographers.

Cartography Past, Present and Future

1st Edition
October 22, 2013
D.W. Rhind + 1 more
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 9 2 5 0 2

Making maps dates back at least four thousand years and it is widely recognised that many maps are of great historical value and present a skilled method of summarising the real world on a sheet of paper. Less well known is the judgement involved in the selection and simplification of features, the complex transformation of space and the exacting standards which are needed in cartography. This book is primarily a tribute to Professor F.J. Ormeling, former President and Secretary/Treasurer of the ICA and gives a wide ranging review of the current status of cartography, how this status was attained and the way in which the subject is expected to evolve over the next decade. It is composed of two main sections. In the first, the present state of cartography in different countries is examined. The second section is a thematic view in which some of the major issues and developments in cartography are discussed in turn, including art and science in cartography, the character of historical cartography, the role of map making in developing countries, the impact of a possible ideal computer mapping facility and how cartography has changed in recent years. There are international contributions from authors distinguished and internationally recognised in cartography and related fields and who have had a significant input to the ICA.

Western Europe, North America and Australasia

1st Edition
October 22, 2013
Rolf Bohme
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 9 2 5 1 9

Topographic mapping plays a basic and important role within the extensive field of cartography. In recent years, this type of mapping has become somewhat neglected and available literature is normally restricted to details concerning the programmes of individual countries, often presented in the form of monographs. Topographic maps are essential tools for use in development projects, resource exploitation, the planning of construction, infrastructure and recreation. Furthermore, they give a detailed illustration of the relative degrees of development of areas within a landscape and are thus unique in demonstrating the cultural status of a country. This book is the first of three volumes and provides an introduction to world topographic mapping giving details and examples of topographic maps from Western Europe, North America and Australasia. The information supplied for each country consists of a text, including a brief history of the development of topographic mapping, geodetic data, map scales and series, as well as extracts of maps and index sheets illustrating the present status of map coverage within that country. There is currently no other work employing the approach adopted in assembling this `inventory'. This work is a comprehensive and important reference and source book for information in the field of topographic mapping.

South America, Central America and Africa

1st Edition
October 22, 2013
Rolf Bohme
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 9 2 5 4 0

Topographic mapping plays a basic and important role within the extensive field of cartography. In recent years, this type of mapping has become somewhat neglected and available literature is normally restricted to details concerning the programmes of individual countries often presented in the form of monographs. Topographic maps are essential tools for use in development projects, resource exploitation, the planning of construction, infrastructure and recreation. They also give detailed illustration of the relative degrees of development of areas within a landscape and are thus unique in demonstrating the cultural status of a country. This book is the second of three volumes and gives details and examples of topographic maps from Central and South America and Africa. The information supplied for each country consists of a text, including a brief history of the development of topographic mapping, geodetic data, map scales and series, as well as extracts of maps and index sheets illustrating the present status of map coverage within that country. There is currently no other work employing the approach adopted in assembling this inventory. This work is a comprehensive and important reference and source book for information in the field of topographic mapping.

Spatial Database Transfer Standards

1st Edition
October 22, 2013
H. Moellering
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 9 2 5 5 7

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.

Eastern Europe, Asia, Oceania and Antarctica

1st Edition
October 22, 2013
R. Böhme + 1 more
English
eBook
9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 9 2 6 5 6

This volume completes the International Cartographic Association's trilogy which has been prepared to provide an "Inventory of World Topographic Mapping", and contains specific details relating to the current coverage of states located in Eastern Europe, Asia, Pacific and Antarctica. The geographical positions of countries described are illustrated by means of a series of accompanying reference maps. The information supplied for each country consists of a text, including a brief history of the development of topographic mapping, geodetic data, map scales and series as well as extracts of maps and index sheets illustrating the present status of map coverage within that country. There is currently no other work employing the approach adopted in assembling this "inventory". This work is a comprehensive and important reference and source book for information in the field of topographic mapping.

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