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Journals 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.

    • Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

      • ISSN: 0169-7722
      The Journal of Contaminant Hydrology is an international journal publishing scientific articles contributing to a broad understanding of contamination of water resources. Emphasis is placed on investigations of the physical, chemical, and biological processes influencing the behaviour and fate of organic and inorganic contaminants in the aqueous environment including ecological impacts. Water-based science, technology and management approaches that monitor, assess, control and mitigate contamination and its eco-environmental impacts at multiple scales are invited. Broad latitude is allowed in identifying contaminants of interest, and includes legacy and emerging pollutants, nutrients, nanoparticles, microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, and protozoa), microplastics, and various constituents associated with energy production (e.g., methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide).The journal's scope embraces a wide range of topics that include: surface and subsurface hydrology as it relates to contamination; experimental and computational investigations of contaminant sorption, diffusion, biological and chemical transformation, volatilization and transport in the surface and subsurface; characterization of soil and sediment properties only as they influence contaminant behaviour; development and testing of mathematical models of contaminant behaviour; innovative techniques for restoration of contaminated sites; development of new tools or techniques for monitoring the extent of soil, sediment, and water contamination; development of mathematical models and system analysis techniques for understanding and managing surface and subsurface water resources systems including hyporheic zone processes; analyses of interactions between water-use activities and the environment; carbon sequestration and turnover; and water contamination issues associated with energy production.Types of paper There are some types of papers that are not suitable for publication in the journal, namely: Environmental monitoring. We are pleased to see field data, but we do not publish reports of, for example, unusual observations in the field unless they are interpreted at a process level. Similarly, we do not act as a public repository for datasets unless they are interpreted. Case studies. We will not publish case studies unless they provide insight into processes relevant to other sites or conditions. Thus, a paper based on a particular site must draw out principles, prove a conceptual model, or develop and test a method; these principles, models, or methods must have broader applicability than to a site of study. Methods. We are keen to see new methods of analysis, experimentation, field investigation, or interpretation developed and published. However the journal will not publish papers that present only method development, nor methods that have no major advance over existing approaches. Manuscripts that demonstrate how new or existing methods lead to new insights, or that extend the scope or demonstrate the practical use of existing methods will be welcome. Normally, measured data or observations will be used to validate the method.The last comments on Methods apply particularly to the development of new analytical and numerical solutions to flow, transport and reaction equations. A new mathematical solution must be a significant and useful advance over present methods. The new solution should also lead to new understanding of contaminant behavior. When possible, new analytical or numerical solutions should be compared with existing methods and/or with real data/observations. The inverse of these comments on new models applies to papers that focus on experimental and field investigations. It is not sufficient to present data, no matter how elegant the experiment or interesting the field site! Data must be interpreted with a conceptual model of processes so that the results are potentially valuable to other sites and experiments.Despite these comments, the editors are not trying to set up a rigid or bureaucratic system. If you believe your paper should be an exception, explain this simply in your cover letter at submission. We are all active researchers, and we do not want to discourage our peers from submitting any manuscript that they feel is significant and important for the journal. Rather, we hope you will join us in our wish to ensure that all the papers in the journal have real value to the community.Benefits to authors We also provide many author benefits, such as free PDFs, a liberal copyright policy, special discounts on Elsevier publications and much more. Please click here for more information on our author services.Please see our Guide for Authors for information on article submission. If you require any further information or help, please visit our Support Center
    • Geoenergy Science and Engineering

      • ISSN: 0920-4105
      The objective of Geoenergy Science and Engineering is to bridge the gap between the engineering and the science of geoenergy and sustainable hydrocarbon production by publishing explicitly written articles intelligible to scientists, engineers, and geologists working in related areas.Geoenergy Science and Engineering covers the fields of geoenergy and sustainable hydrocarbon production in its broadest possible sense. The journal aims to publish articles with a particular focus on energy transition and achieving net-zero emission targets. General topics include: responsible and sustainable energy generation; carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS); geothermal energy; hydrogen production, transport, and storage; underground gas storage; application of artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics in energy industry; and sustainable hydrocarbon exploration and production.Papers will be published with the minimum of publication delay. Research articles, case histories, field process reports, short communications, book reviews, symposia proceedings and review articles are accepted. Generally, review articles on some topic of special current interest will be published.Formerly known as Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, with a 2022 IF of 4.4, and 2022 CiteScore of 8.8.
    • Journal of African Earth Sciences

      • ISSN: 1464-343X
      The Journal of African Earth Sciences sees itself as the prime international interdisciplinary geological journal for all aspects of the Earth Sciences about the African plate. Papers dealing with peripheral areas are welcome if they demonstrate a tight link with Africa.The Journal publishes high quality, peer-reviewed scientific papers. It is devoted primarily to research papers but short communications relating to new developments of broad interest, reviews and book reviews will also be considered. Papers must have international appeal and should present work of more regional than local significance and dealing with well identified and justified scientific questions. Specialised technical papers, analytical or exploration reports must be avoided. Papers on applied geology should preferably be linked to such core disciplines and must be addressed to a more general geoscientific audience.The journal is closely affiliated with the Geological Society of AfricaThis journal welcomes contributions that support and advance the UN's sustainable development goals, in particular SDG 13 (Climate Action)
    • Geoenergy Science and Engineering

      • ISSN: 2949-8910
      The objective of Geoenergy Science and Engineering is to bridge the gap between the engineering and the science of geoenergy and sustainable hydrocarbon production by publishing explicitly written articles intelligible to scientists, engineers, and geologists working in related areas.Geoenergy Science and Engineering covers the fields of geoenergy and sustainable hydrocarbon production in its broadest possible sense. The journal aims to publish articles with a particular focus on energy transition and achieving net-zero emission targets. General topics include: responsible and sustainable energy generation; carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS); geothermal energy; hydrogen production, transport, and storage; underground gas storage; application of artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics in energy industry; and sustainable hydrocarbon exploration and production.Papers will be published with the minimum of publication delay. Research articles, case histories, field process reports, short communications, book reviews, symposia proceedings and review articles are accepted. Generally, review articles on some topic of special current interest will be published.Formerly known as Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, with a 2022 IF of 4.4, and 2022 CiteScore of 8.8.
    • Icarus

      • ISSN: 0019-1035
      Icarus is devoted to the publication of original contributions in the field of Solar System studies. Manuscripts reporting the results of new research - observational, experimental, or theoretical - concerning the astronomy, geology, meteorology, physics, chemistry, biology, and other scientific aspects of our Solar System or extrasolar systems are welcome. The journal generally does not publish papers devoted exclusively to the Sun or the Earth; papers on celestial mechanics or astrophysics are acceptable only if they have a clear importance for planetary science; descriptive studies of meteorites should be addressed to journals of meteoritics, but are relevant for Icarus is they provide constraints on the formation or evolution of planetesimals, planets or the solar system in its globality. Icarus does not publish papers that provide "improved" versions of Bode's law, or other numerical relations, without a sound physical basis. Icarus does not publish meeting announcements or general notices. Reviews, historical papers, and manuscripts describing spacecraft instrumentation may be considered, but only with prior approval of the editor. An entire issue of the journal is occasionally devoted to a single subject, usually arising from a conference on the same topic. The language of publication is English. American or British usage is accepted, but not a mixture of these.Icarus is endorsed by the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society.Article Collections are linked here.This journal welcomes contributions that support and advance the UN's sustainable development goals
    • Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology

      • ISSN: 0031-0182
      An International Journal for the Geo-SciencesPalaeoge... Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology publishes high quality studies in the field of palaeoenvironmental geoscience. We seek submissions that address broad scientific questions of interest to a wide international community and focus on significant events in the evolution of life and environment. The reach of the journal covers the entire deep-time history of the biosphere from the Archaean through to the Quaternary. A key criterion for consideration is that submissions address some key aspect of palaeoenvironmental change as their major theme including, but not limited to, studies of palaeoecology, palaeoclimatology, and palaeobiogeography. We also look favourably on submissions that use a multi-disciplinary approach and/or bring together large quantitative datasets. As the journal aims to cut across the boundaries of established sciences, every effort should be made to present research findings in a way that is understandable for a general readership. Manuscripts may be submitted as either research contributions or as a review article, and we also encourage the development of special issues on significant topics. Please note that studies of plate tectonics, sediment provenance and coal petrography are generally considered out of scope for the journal, and we can only normally consider submissions that are based on geological datasets or materials.
    • Soil & Tillage Research

      • ISSN: 0167-1987
      Soil and Tillage Research is an ISTRO-affiliated journal that examines the physical, chemical and biological changes in the soil caused by tillage and field traffic. Manuscripts on all aspects of soil science, physics, technology, mechanization and applied engineering for a sustainable balance among productivity, environmental quality and profitability are considered. The following are examples of suitable topics within the scope of the journal of Soil and Tillage Research:The agricultural and biosystems engineering associated with tillage (including no-tillage, reduced-tillage and direct drilling), irrigation and drainage, crops and crop rotations, fertilization, rehabilitation of mine spoils and processes used to modify soils.Soil change effects on establishment and yield of crops, growth of plants and roots, structure and erosion of soil, cycling of carbon and nutrients, greenhouse gas emissions, leaching, runoff and other processes that affect environmental quality.Characteriza... or modeling of tillage and field traffic responses, soil, climate, or topographic effects, soil deformation processes, tillage tools, traction devices, energy requirements, economics, surface and subsurface water quality effects, tillage effects on weed, pest and disease control, and their interactions.
    • Organic Geochemistry

      • ISSN: 0146-6380
      The International Journal for the Rapid Publication of Current Research in Organic Geochemistry and Biogeochemistry and The Official Journal of the European Association of Organic GeochemistsOrganic Geochemistry serves as the only dedicated medium for the publication of peer-reviewed research on all phases of geochemistry in which organic compounds play a major role. The Editors welcome contributions covering a wide spectrum of subjects in the geosciences broadly based on organic chemistry (including molecular and isotopic geochemistry), and involving geology, biogeochemistry, environmental geochemistry, chemical oceanography and hydrology.The scope of the journal includes research involving organic matter in ancient strata (including source rocks, petroleum, natural gas and coal), recent sediments, the aqueous environment, and soils and the role of organics in the geochemical cycling of the elements.Sedimentolo... paleontological and organic petrographic studies will also be considered for publication, if they are geochemically oriented. Papers cover the full range of research activities in organic geochemistry, and include comprehensive review articles, technical communications, discussion/reply correspondence and short technical notes. Peer-reviews organised through three Chief Editors and a staff of Associate Editors, are conducted by well known, respected members of the scientific community. The journal also publishes reviews of books, announcements of important conferences and meetings and other matters of direct interest to the organic geochemical community.This journal welcomes contributions that support and advance the UN's sustainable development goals.
    • Ocean Engineering

      • ISSN: 0029-8018
      Last updated November 2025Ocean Engineering aims to provide a medium for the publication of original research and development work in the field of ocean engineering.The journal seeks papers in the following topics:Ocean Engineering including: fixed and floating offshore platforms; pipelines and risers; cables and mooring; buoy technology; foundation engineering; ocean mining; marine and offshore renewable energy; aquaculture engineering; environmental protection; subsea engineering; scour and scour protection.Naval Architecture including: ship and special marine vehicle design; intact and damaged stability; technology for energy efficiency and green shipping; ship production technology; decommissioning and recycling.Polar and Arctic Engineering including: ice mechanics; ice-structure interaction; polar operations; polar design; environmental protection.Coastal Engineering: focuses on the analysis and design of coastal and shoreline protection systems, including structures such as seawalls, breakwaters, and beach nourishment schemes. The field addresses coastal flooding, erosion, storm surge impacts, and the resilience of coastal infrastructure.Harbo... Engineering: covers the planning, design, and operation of ports and harbours, including navigation channels, breakwaters, berthing structures, and port logistics. It also includes studies on vessel manoeuvring and safety in confined waters, as well as emerging digital and autonomous tools for port operations.Automatic Control of Marine Systems including: automatic control; automation and autonomy for marine vehicles and systemsUnderwater Technology including: AUV/ROV design; AUV/ROV hydrodynamics; maneuvering and control; underwater-specific communicating and sensing systems for AUV/ROVs.In these fields, papers on the following technical topics are welcome.Hydro- and Aerodynamics: CFD; vortex induced vibrations; fluid-structure interaction; hydroelasticity; linear and non-linear wave mechanics; buoyancy and stability; ship resistance and propulsion; seakeeping and controls; ship maneuvering; ship-radiated noise; wind-assisted propulsion; energy-efficient devices; hydroacoustics; aeroacoustics from offshore wind turbines.Structural Mechanics: materials; limit state prediction and assessments; fatigue; fracture; structural health monitoring; collision and crash worthiness, degradation; ship strength.Stochastic Calculations: stochastic processes; safety and reliability; risk and limit state design.Experimental Approaches: instrumentation; full-scale measurements; model tests.Marine equipment: risers; pipelines; ballast water treatment; air emissions treatment; underwater noise mitigation; and associated components or equipment.Ocean Environmental Predictions: only for the impact of extreme event predictions; extreme statistics; wave groups; tsunamis; short-term environment predictions and impact of climate change on ocean structures and vessel operation and design. Note that manuscripts related to broader physical oceanography or ocean science topics such as climate variability, climate modelling, remote sensing, and oceanic data analysis should be submitted to journals specialising in climate and oceanographic sciences.Automatic Control of Marine Systems: Papers submitted in this subject area should have genuine value in naval architecture and maritime engineering and should include the validation of results preferably, by full-scale measurements or model-scale tests or, when this is not possible, by high-fidelity simulations. Methods used in papers should be validated in conditions that represent realistic marine environments. Research on civilian applications of underwater imaging, target detection, acoustic target recognition and image enhancement techniques related to marine automation is also within the scope.Human Factors and Maritime Safety including: Maritime accidents; fatigue management; risk assessment; situational awareness; maritime training; human errors; human performance in operation; human factors in maritime accidents; safety culture; human factors taxonomy; all related to maritime engineering.Out of scope topics last updated December 2024Ocean Engineering does not accept submissions on marine engines and auxiliary systems, heating and cooling systems, pumps, valves, underwater explosions, sediment transport, sediment disturbance and erosion, chloride penetration, dam break phenomena, or purely theoretical papers without any application to ocean engineering. Broad material science and corrosion studies without a focus on naval architecture or offshore engineering are also outside the journal's scope. Furthermore, the journal does not consider studies related to wind turbines unless there is a direct application to offshore engineering (such as offshore wind turbines). Research focusing on the mechanics of robotic devices or wireless power transfer systems also falls outside the journal’s scope.Additionally, Ocean Engineering does not accept submissions focusing solely on military applications. While the journal is currently open to papers on submarine hydrodynamics, it must be ensured that no sensitive or military-related content is included. The aim of any manuscript submitted to Ocean Engineering should be the worldwide dissemination of scientific knowledge, focusing on civilian applications that advance the broader field of ocean and maritime engineering.*Authors are requested to complete a Review Proposal Form for Editorial approval prior to submission of the review article. Proposals can be submitted to [email protected] or one of the Editors.
    • Ocean & Coastal Management

      • ISSN: 0964-5691
      Ocean & Coastal Management is the leading international journal dedicated to the study of all aspects of ocean and coastal management and governance.Ocean & Coastal Management aims to advance management, policy and/or governance scholarship related to the sustainable development and conservation of the world's oceans and coasts.It publishes rigorously peer-reviewed articles on ocean and coastal management and governance from the natural and social sciences, humanities and law, and design professions, and inter-/trans-discipl... and co-designed research.Submissions must engage directly with the ocean and coastal management scholarly literature and apply findings to the international context. Submissions involving robust analysis, development of theory, and improvement of governance and management practices are especially welcome. Locality-specific case studies are discouraged unless they have wider application. Comparative studies (from sub-national to trans-national cases, and other management / policy arenas) are encouraged, as are studies that critically assess management theories, policies, practices, and governance approaches.The journal publishes topics including:Interactio... between ocean and coastal uses and actors in government, the private sector, civil society, local communities, science, and Indigenous Peoples. Bridging the science-policy-pract... interfaces in the ocean and coastal context. The roles of traditional knowledge, local knowledge, and science in ocean and coastal management. Ocean Literacy and Education Institutional change and ocean and coastal management.Resolutio... of multiple-use conflicts; alternative management regimes and institutional arrangements for integrated management of ocean and coastal areas (e.g., national coastal management programmes, Regional Seas programmes); and governance of resources, systems, and activities from the land-sea interface to territorial waters, Exclusive Economic Zones, high seas, and the poles.Developments related to the Law of the Sea Convention and to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), including consideration of legal regimes for the conservation and development of ocean and coastal resources from the shoreline to beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, including emerging Legal and Policy Challenges in the High Seas.International maritime and shipping regulations, policies, and governance under the framework of the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) or the local governments of various countries. Port and shipping operations, management, and governance. Impact of Global Supply Chains on Coastal and Marine Environments.Assessi... and managing environmental impacts due to the development of ocean and coastal areas. Specific shoreline management issues such as coastal protection policies, responses to accelerated sea-level rise, public access, waterfront redevelopment, cultural heritage, public education and participation, port management, estuarine management, marine protected areas, and governing coastal urbanization.Governa... and management of activities like aquaculture, commercial fisheries, offshore mining, shipping and navigation, energy facilities, coast-dependent industries, and tourism, recreational development, and marine conservation and protected areas.Climate change and ocean and coastal management, including adaptation in coastal and marine settings; tackling ocean acidification; Blue Carbon; and climate-resilient development.Ocean and coastal disasters, risk reduction, and resilience building. Vulnerability, sustainable livelihoods, and maritime communities.The Blue Economy and marine governance. Marine spatial planning. Marine ecosystem-based management. Addressing marine plastics and pollution. Technological Innovations in Oceanography and Coastal Management.Politics, democracy, civic engagement, and public decision-making for the ocean and coasts. Historical, cultural, ethical, philosophical, and theoretical considerations relevant to ocean and coastal management. Maritime Security and Surveillance, including piracy, illegal fishing, and maritime boundary disputes.