Skip to main content

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.

  • Thermal Physics of the Atmosphere

    • 2nd Edition
    • Volume 1
    • Maarten H.P. Ambaum
    • English
    Thermal Physics of the Atmosphere, Second Edition offers a concise and thorough introduction on how basic thermodynamics naturally leads to advanced topics in atmospheric physics. Chapters cover the basics of thermodynamics and its applications in atmospheric science and describe major applications, specifically more specialized areas of atmospheric physics, including vertical structure and stability, cloud formation and radiative processes. The book is fully revised, featuring informative sections on radiative transfer, thermodynamic cycles, the historical context to potential temperature concept, vertical thermodynamic coordinates, dewpoint temperature, the Penman equation, and entropy of moist air. This book is a necessary guide for students (graduate, advanced undergraduate, master’s level) of atmospheric science, meteorology, climate science and researchers in these fields. Members of the Royal Meteorological Society are eligible for a 35% discount on all Developments in Weather and Climate Science series titles. See the RMetS member dashboard for the discount code.
  • Urban Heat Island Modeling for Tropical Climates

    • 1st Edition
    • Ansar Khan + 2 more
    • English
    Urban Heat Island Modeling for Tropical Climates takes into account the different urban physics in tropical environments, presenting a way of UHI scaling for tropical cities. Topics include measuring, modeling and proper mitigation strategies, which account for the surface energy balance of tropics. Tropical cities are more susceptible to the effects of projected global warming because of conditions in tropical climates and the rapid growth of so many cities in this zone. The need for research on measuring, modeling and mitigation of UHI effects in tropical cities is of growing importance. This book walks through the basics of Urban Heat Islands, including causes, measurement and analysis then expands upon issues as well as the novel techniques that can be used to address issues specific to the region.
  • 2D/3D Boundary Element Programming in Petroleum Engineering and Geomechanics

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 70
    • Nobuo Morita
    • English
    2D/3D Boundary Element Programming in Petroleum Engineering and Geomechanics, Volume 72, is designed to make it easy for researchers, engineers and students to begin writing boundary element programs. This reference covers the fundamentals, theoretical developments, programming and applications. Both fluid flow through porous media and structural problems are used for coding exercises. Included computer programs may be used as starting codes; after modifications, they can be applied to real world problems. The book covers topics around mesh generation, 3D boundary element coding, and interface coding for controlling mesh generation, and plotting results.
  • Mass Transport, Gravity Flows, and Bottom Currents

    Downslope and Alongslope Processes and Deposits
    • 1st Edition
    • G. Shanmugam
    • English
    Mass Transport, Gravity Flows, and Bottom Currents: Downslope and Alongslope Processes and Deposits focuses solely on important downslope and alongslope processes. The book provides clear definitions and characteristics based on soil mechanics, fluid mechanics and sediment concentration by volume. It addresses Slides, Slumps, and Debris Flows, Grain Flows, Liquefied/Fluidized Flows, and Turbidity Currents, Density plumes, Hyperpycnal Flows, the Triggering Mechanisms of Downslope Processes, Bottom Currents, and Soft-Sediment Deformation Structures. The mechanics of each process are described in detail and used to provide empirically-driven categories to help recognize these deposits it the rock record. Case studies clearly illustrate of the problems inherent in recognizing these processes in the rock record, and potential solutions are provided alongside future avenues of research. An appendix also provides step-by-step guidance in describing and interpreting sediments.
  • Geologic Time Scale 2020

    • 1st Edition
    • Felix Gradstein + 3 more
    • English
    Geologic Time Scale 2020 (2 volume set) contains contributions from 80+ leading scientists who present syntheses in an easy-to-understand format that includes numerous color charts, maps and photographs. In addition to detailed overviews of chronostratigraphy, evolution, geochemistry, sequence stratigraphy and planetary geology, the GTS2020 volumes have separate chapters on each geologic period with compilations of the history of divisions, the current GSSPs (global boundary stratotypes), detailed bio-geochem-sequence correlation charts, and derivation of the age models. The authors are on the forefront of chronostratigraphic research and initiatives surrounding the creation of an international geologic time scale. The included charts display the most up-to-date, international standard as ratified by the International Commission on Stratigraphy and the International Union of Geological Sciences. As the framework for deciphering the history of our planet Earth, this book is essential for practicing Earth Scientists and academics.
  • Carbon Isotope Stratigraphy

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 5
    • Michael Montenari
    • English
    Carbon Isotope Stratigraphy, Volume Five in the Advances in Sequence Stratigraphy series, covers research in stratigraphic disciplines, including the most recent developments in the geosciences. This fully commissioned review publication aims to foster and convey progress in stratigraphy with its inclusion of a variety of topics, including Carbon isotope stratigraphy - principles and applications, Interpreting Phanerozoic δ13C patterns as periodic glacio-eustatic sequences, Stable carbon isotopes in archaeological plant remains, Review of the Upper Ediacaran-Lower Cambrian Detrital Series in Central and North Iberia: NE Africa as possible Source Area, Calibrating δ13C and δ18O chemostratigraphic correlations across Cambrian strata of SW, and much more.
  • The Microbiology of Nuclear Waste Disposal

    • 1st Edition
    • Jonathan R. Lloyd + 1 more
    • English
    The Microbiology of Nuclear Waste Disposal is a state-of-the-art reference featuring contributions focusing on the impact of microbes on the safe long-term disposal of nuclear waste. This book is the first to cover this important emerging topic, and is written for a wide audience encompassing regulators, implementers, academics, and other stakeholders. The book is also of interest to those working on the wider exploitation of the subsurface, such as bioremediation, carbon capture and storage, geothermal energy, and water quality. Planning for suitable facilities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia has been based mainly on knowledge from the geological and physical sciences. However, recent studies have shown that microbial life can proliferate in the inhospitable environments associated with radioactive waste disposal, and can control the long-term fate of nuclear materials. This can have beneficial and damaging impacts, which need to be quantified.
  • The Dynamics of Natural Satellites of the Planets

    • 1st Edition
    • Nikolay Emelyanov
    • English
    The Dynamics of Natural Satellites of the Planets is an accessible reference for understanding the celestial mechanics of planetary moons through the lens of both theory and observation. Based on decades of research by the author, the book utilizes state-of-the-art observations of the natural satellites in the solar system to establish models, measurements and calculations to better understand the theory of the satellite movement and dynamics. It presents an extensive set of study methods and results on the motion of natural satellites of the planets and includes reviews and references to related publication for further explanation. By relating observations to numerical theory, the book serves as a quick and comprehensive reference for applying the theory of orbital dynamics to observational data on orbits and physical properties of the natural satellites in order to formulate state-of-the-art explanations and models, particularly for determining the parameters of satellite motion.
  • Foundations of Modern Global Seismology

    • 2nd Edition
    • Charles J. Ammon + 3 more
    • English
    Modern Global Seismology, Second Edition, is a complete, self-contained primer on seismology, featuring extensive coverage of all related aspects—from observational data through prediction—and emphasizing the fundamental theories and physics governing seismic waves, both natural and anthropogenic. Based on thoroughly class-tested material, the text provides a unique perspective on Earth’s large-scale internal structure and dynamic processes, particularly earthquake sources, and the application of theory to the dynamic processes of the earth’s upper layer. This insightful new edition is designed for accessibility and comprehension for graduate students entering the field.Exploration seismologists will also find it an invaluable resource on topics such as elastic-wave propagation, seismic instrumentation, and seismogram analysis.
  • Forecasting and Planning for Volcanic Hazards, Risks, and Disasters

    • 1st Edition
    • Paolo Papale
    • English
    Forecasting and Planning for Volcanic Hazards, Risks, and Disasters expands and complements the subject and themes in Volcanic Hazards, Risks and Disasters. Together, the two volumes represent an exhaustive compendium on volcanic hazards, risks, and disasters. Volume two presents a comprehensive picture of the volcano dynamics relevant for volcanic hazard forecasts. It also includes case studies of the associated risks and aspects like operational volcano observatory responses, communication before and across volcanic crises, emergency planning, social science aspects, and resilience from volcanic disasters. Forecasting and Planning for Volcanic Hazards, Risks, and Disasters takes a geoscientific approach to the topic while integrating the social and economic issues related to volcanoes and volcanic hazards and disasters.