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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.

  • Restoration and Sustainable Development of Mine-Affected Soils and Degraded Lands

    Advances for Natural Resources Conservation and Land Sustainability
    • 1st Edition
    • Jaume Bech + 3 more
    • English
    Restoration and Sustainable Development of Mine-Affected Soils and Degraded Lands: Advances for Natural Resources Conservation and Land Sustainability delves into the latest advancements in sustainable post-mining land development. This comprehensive volume begins by assessing environmental legacies from mining activities, considering their impacts on different environmental spheres such as the pedosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. It explores the interconnections between these spheres and the material fluxes that result from mining interventions, offering in-depth analysis for professionals in the field. The book also discusses the prediction and analysis of environmental benefits and challenges related to mine closures and the transition to renewable energy.It includes social and economic opportunities and obstacles of mine closure and the phasing out of coal, viewed from regional, national, and global standpoints. Management approaches are examined, considering environmental, socio-economic, and political challenges, drawing insights from successful experiences and lessons learned. Finally, the connection between soil and human health in mine-affected areas is analyzed, providing a valuable resource for mining engineers, soil scientists, and environmental resource managers.
  • Landslide Science

    Geospatial Advances in Monitoring, Modeling, and Management
    • 1st Edition
    • Christos Polykretis + 3 more
    • English
    Landslide Science: Geospatial Advances in Monitoring, Modeling, and Management presents a detailed exploration of the latest advancements in landslide research, offering a thorough examination of the latest geospatial technologies and methodologies. The book begins with a comprehensive exploration of landslides, starting with an understanding of their nature, including characteristics, types, and historical perspectives. Factors triggering or influencing landslides are examined, such as rainfall, earthquakes, and topographical influences. Remote sensing techniques for landslide investigation are detailed, covering detection, monitoring, and imagery data processing methods using various sensors and technologies. Spatial landslide assessment and mapping are discussed, including inventory mapping, susceptibility assessment, and hazard assessment utilizing different approaches and uncertainty validation methods. Engineering-based landslide analysis focuses on geotechnical aspects, hydrogeological influences, and methodologies for simulations and slope stability analysis. The book also addresses landslide impacts and risk management strategies, covering vulnerability assessment, risk analysis, environmental consequences, prevention, mitigation strategies, and community engagement. Advancing science and future directions in landslide research are explored, including trends in landslide occurrence, early warning systems, technological innovations, and remaining challenging issues in landslide science. This comprehensive guide offers valuable insights and strategies for understanding, assessing, and managing landslides for a more resilient future.
  • Harmonizing Earth Observation Data for Enhanced Spatial Analysis

    • 1st Edition
    • Tomaž Podobnikar
    • English
    Harmonizing Earth Observation Data for Enhanced Spatial Analysis explores the critical aspects of Earth observation (EO) data and its pivotal role in spatial analysis. The book begins by addressing the quality aspects of EO data, emphasizing the importance of reliable and accurate information for meaningful analysis. It reviews the interaction and integration of various EO datasets, highlighting the necessity of combining diverse data sources to enhance analytical outcomes. The text covers essential techniques such as downsampling, generalization, and upsampling, providing insights into how these processes can optimize data usability while maintaining integrity. A significant focus is placed on harmonization, detailing strategies to reduce uncertainty and improve data consistency across multidimensional datasets. This harmonization is crucial for effective spatial analysis, which relies on coherent datasets to derive actionable insights. Additionally, the book discusses the interplay between EO and geospatial data, illustrating how their integration can enhance spatial analysis capabilities. It presents comprehensive workflows and tools that facilitate advanced spatial analysis, equipping researchers and practitioners with the necessary resources to harness EO data effectively. The book serves as a valuable resource to emphasize the importance of high-quality, integrated datasets in fostering informed decision-making and advancing research in environmental monitoring, urban planning, and resource management.
  • Remote Sensing Techniques for Blue Carbon and Coastal Ecosystem Monitoring

    • 1st Edition
    • Uzair Aslam Bhatti + 2 more
    • English
    Remote Sensing Techniques for Blue Carbon and Coastal Ecosystem Monitoring offers a comprehensive exploration of cutting-edge remote sensing technologies for the effective monitoring and conservation of blue carbon ecosystems, including mangroves and seagrass beds. In the face of increasing threats from emerging contaminants such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, and pollutants, this book highlights the vital role these ecosystems play in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. Combining satellite imagery, UAV-based sensing, hyperspectral techniques, and ecological models with GIS integration, it provides both theoretical insights and practical case studies from around the world.Essential for students, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, this guide equips readers with the tools necessary to assess ecosystem health, inform management strategies, and support sustainable coastal development in a rapidly changing environment.
  • Sediment Quality Assessment and Management in Marine and Freshwater Environments

    Current Approaches, Emerging Tools, and Future Directions
    • 1st Edition
    • Sabine E. Apitz + 1 more
    • English
    Sediment Quality Assessment and Management in Marine and Freshwater Environments: Current Approaches, Emerging Tools, and Future Directions addresses the urgent need for practical, state-of-the-science guidance on assessing and managing contaminated sediments in both marine and freshwater systems. Recognizing the vital role sediments play in water quality, ecosystem health, and human infrastructure, this comprehensive volume bridges the gap between scientific principles and real-world management practices. The book provides a thorough examination of current assessment frameworks, diagnostic tools, and innovative methodologies, while highlighting the unique challenges of transboundary and site-specific sediment management.With contributions from leading experts, it offers clear insights into the biological, chemical, and geophysical factors that influence sediment quality, and explores the latest advances in ecotoxicology, bioavailability, passive sampling, risk assessment, and remediation. Designed for students and researchers of sediment quality, marine biologists, and professionals studying water quality and hydrology, this essential reference equips readers with the knowledge and strategies needed to protect aquatic resources and human uses of the aquatic environment, setting a new standard for sediment quality management worldwide.
  • Physical Chemistry at the Intersection of Combustion and Atmospheric Sciences

    • 1st Edition
    • Brandon Rotavera
    • English
    Physical Chemistry at the Intersection of Combustion and Atmospheric Sciences provides the first detailed exploration of overlapping scientific problems in physical chemistry within the domains of combustion and atmospheric chemistry. The intersection between these two areas refers specifically to the role in atmospheric processes of gas-phase and particle-phase emissions produced from combustion in the transportation sector. The importance of this intersection of the two areas is derived from the influence of molecular structure of hydrocarbons and biofuels on the formation of volatile organic compounds and primary organic aerosols (POA) becoming reactants in the troposphere and contribute to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in the atmosphere. Research approaches required to solve these challenges span a broad range of experimental apparatus, experimental target (spectroscopy, reaction rates, speciation), computational quantum chemistry methodologies, detailed chemical kinetics modelling, and atmospheric modelling. Specific problems addressed in this book include detailing the current state of knowledge and future research needs on topics, such as the role of organic hydroperoxide reactivity in both atmospheric chemistry and combustion, the importance of peroxy radicals produced in biofuel and hydrocarbon combustion that control chain-branching, and in tropospheric chemistry, affect OH-budgeting and the formation of aerosols that impact air quality. Significant attention will also be paid to the influence of functional groups on combustion reaction mechanisms as well as downstream effects on gas-phase chemical reactions in atmosphere. Specifically, problems connecting gas-phase reactions of functionalized organic molecules present in combustion emissions to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation will be addressed. In addition, remaining challenges in understanding the subsequent physical and chemical processes involving SOA will be addressed. Physical Chemistry at the Intersection of Combustion and Atmospheric Sciences is written primarily for research staff scientists, R&D personnel (laboratory and industry), graduate students, and professors in the fields of physical chemistry, atmospheric science, and chemical engineering. The book will appeal to experimental and theoretical kineticists as well as any researchers involved in combustion and atmospheric modelling.
  • The Soil Nexus

    Understanding Ecosystem Dynamics and Digital Innovations
    • 1st Edition
    • Hamid Reza Pourghasemi + 1 more
    • English
    The Soil Nexus: Understanding Ecosystem Dynamics and Digital Innovations explores the intricate relationships between soil health, ecosystem function, and cutting-edge technologies. This comprehensive book examines the critical role of soil in biogeochemical cycles, microbial dynamics, and sustainable agricultural practices, while also addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and urbanization. Key methodologies, including digital soil mapping, artificial intelligence, and innovative restoration techniques, are examined in detail, providing readers with practical insights and case studies that illustrate the real-world applications of these advancements. This book serves as an invaluable resource for soil scientists and environmental researchers engaged in soil studies and management. Graduate students and professionals will find the comprehensive analysis of emerging technologies and methodologies particularly beneficial for enhancing their research and practical applications. By bridging theoretical knowledge with actionable insights, The Soil Nexus: Understanding Ecosystem Dynamics and Digital Innovations equips readers to navigate complex soil-related challenges while promoting collaborative efforts in soil stewardship.
  • SAR Oceanography

    Monitoring Oceanic Dynamics with Synthetic Aperture Radar
    • 1st Edition
    • Weizeng Shao
    • English
    SAR Oceanography: Monitoring Oceanic Dynamics with Synthetic Aperture Radar is an authoritative reference for scientists and professionals involved in marine remote sensing and oceanography. The book addresses the critical need for advanced techniques to observe and analyze ocean surface phenomena such as wind, waves, currents, internal waves, and oil spills using SAR technology. It emphasizes the importance of SAR in tropical cyclone monitoring, providing insights into high-resolution, all-weather, day-and-night observations essential for climate research, disaster response, and maritime safety. The content is divided into chapters covering SAR algorithms, applications in different oceanic processes, and recent technological developments. It offers practical case studies and validation methods, making it a valuable resource for researchers, meteorologists, environmental policymakers, and remote sensing specialists. This publication enhances understanding of ocean dynamics and supports sustainable marine management through cutting-edge SAR applications.
  • Remote Sensing and Climate Dynamics

    Monitoring Impacts, Understanding Change, and Guiding Solutions
    • 1st Edition
    • Biswajeet Pradhan + 2 more
    • English
    Remote Sensing and Climate Dynamics: Monitoring Impacts, Understanding Change, and Guiding Solutions delivers a thorough exploration of how remote sensing technologies are revolutionizing climate science by providing critical data to observe and analyze Earth's changing climate system. The book begins by establishing the urgency of climate change monitoring and the unique advantages of remote sensing, followed by an in-depth review of the climate system’s key processes, feedbacks, and drivers. It details the wide array of remote sensing tools, sensors, and platforms that enable precise measurement of atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial variables. The text examines how remote sensing tracks essential climate indicators such as surface and atmospheric temperatures, precipitation, soil moisture, cryosphere dynamics, sea level changes, and ocean health. It further explores the impacts of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems, coastal zones, and human settlements, highlighting methodologies for assessing vulnerability and resilience. The book also addresses how remote sensing supports climate mitigation efforts through carbon cycle monitoring and emission verification, while aiding adaptation planning via risk assessments and early warning systems. Supplementary appendices provide valuable resources on terminology, satellite missions, and data workflows. This comprehensive volume equips scientists and professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to harness remote sensing for effective climate monitoring, impact assessment, and informed decision-making.
  • Understanding Faults

    Detecting, Dating, and Modeling
    • 2nd Edition
    • David Tanner + 1 more
    • English
    Understanding Faults: Detecting, Dating, and Modeling, Second Edition reveals the dynamic world of faults and earthquakes. It offers a single resource for analyzing faults for a variety of applications, from hazard detection and earthquake processes to geophysical exploration. Chapters explore the intricate processes of fault detection, utilizing various methods to identify and characterize faults in different settings. Numerical modeling techniques are employed to simulate fault behavior and seismic activity, providing insights into fault dynamics and earthquake mechanisms. The book also closely examines faulting in laboratory settings, allowing for controlled experiments to study fault growth and behavior under controlled conditions. The dating of fault movement sheds light on the timing and history of fault activity, providing crucial information for understanding seismic hazards and tectonic processes. Additionally, fault sealing mechanisms and their implications are examined, revealing how faults evolve and interact with their surrounding environment. A unique perspective is offered on faults in the context of the Energy Transition, exploring the role of faults in energy-related processes and transitions. By examining faults from multiple angles, including geological, geophysical, and energy perspectives, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of fault systems and their significance in various domains.