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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.

  • Mechanics of Particulate Materials

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 30
    • J. Feda
    • English
    Mechanics of Particulate Materials
  • Geochemical Prospecting for Thorium and Uranium Deposits

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 16
    • R.W. Boyle
    • English
    Developments in Economic Geology, 16: Geochemical Prospecting for Thorium and Uranium Deposits focuses on the analysis of various geochemical methods applicable in the search for all types of thorium and uranium deposits. The publication first ponders on the general chemistry and geochemistry of thorium and uranium, deposits of thorium and uranium and their indicator elements, and geochemical prospecting for thorium and uranium. Discussions focus on radiation surveys, selection of areas, primary mineralization, supergene oxidation, and secondary enrichment of endogenic thorium and uranium deposits, and equilibrium in the natural radioactive series. The book then ponders on lithochemical, pedochemical, hydrochemical, and biogeochemical surveys of the geochemical prospecting for thorium and uranium. Topics include heavy and light mineral surveys of stream, river, pond, and lake sediments, detailed litochemical surveys utilizing primary halos, and case histories. The text takes a look at sampling procedures and analytical methods for estimating thorium and uranium and miscellaneous methods and atmochemical surveys on the geochemical prospecting for thorium and uranium, including isotopic methods, remote sensing and geothermal methods, and liquid inclusion and thermoluminescent methods. The book is a valuable source of data for researchers wanting to explore geochemical prospecting for thorium and uranium deposits.
  • Graphics Gems

    • 1st Edition
    • Paul S. Heckbert
    • English
    Graphics Gems IV contains practical techniques for 2D and 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and image processing. The book presents articles on polygons and polyhedral; a mix of formulas, optimized algorithms, and tutorial information on the geometry of 2D, 3D, and n-D space; transformations; and parametric curves and surfaces. The text also includes articles on ray tracing; shading 3D models; and frame buffer techniques. Articles on image processing; algorithms for graphical layout; basic interpolation methods; and subroutine libraries for vector and matrix algebra are also demonstrated. Computer engineers and designers will find the book invaluable.
  • Atmospheric Transmission, Emission and Scattering

    • 1st Edition
    • Thomas G. Kyle
    • English
    Introduces the physical processes and meteorology required to understand the behaviour of light and radiation in the atmosphere. Integrating the treatment of atmospheric optics from the ultraviolet to the microwave, the book presents a detailed overview, together with discussions, on the associated meteorology and atmospheric composition, which gives the meteorological background necessary to deal with the varying conditions found in the real atmosphere. Mathematical details provide a concise description of results thus allowing readers with a knowledge of meteorology or a single wavelength region to comprehend the transmission, emission and scattering in all wavelength regions. Rayleigh and Mie scattering are covered as well as the aerosol and raindrop distributions found in the atmosphere. Detailed models of the atmosphere and the distribution of trace gases are supplied, and finally a chapter is devoted to standardised software and available data bases.
  • Structural Geology: Fundamentals and Modern Developments

    • 1st Edition
    • S.K. Ghosh
    • English
    Presents a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the fundamental aspects of structural geology, emphasising both classical concepts and modern developments. A detailed account of the techniques of geometrical analysis is provided, giving a sound background to principles of geological deformation and in-depth analysis of mechanisms of formation of geological structures. Many new features are included such as detailed discussions on rotation of rigid inclusions and passive markers, boudinage (including chocolate tablet boudins, foliation boudins and shear fracture boudins), structural implications of basement-cover relations and time-relation between crystallation and deformation. The book presents the methods of structural analysis from microscopic to map scale, describes modern techniques used in field and laboratory and offers a balanced picture of modern structural geology as it emerges from combined field, experimental and theoretical studies.
  • Case Studies in Oceanography and Marine Affairs

    Prepared by an Open University Course Team
    • 1st Edition
    • Joan Brown
    • Gerry Bearman
    • English
    This is the last volume in the six-volume Open University set. Each volume is required by students as a relevant part of the Open University course but designed so that it can equally be used as an individual textbook. This volume differs from the others in the series in that it does not draw specifically upon traditional scientific disciplines. The first part of the book provides an historical review of the Law of the Sea culminating in the present day situation. The second part is devoted to two case studies, covering not only the scientific aspects of a particular oceanographic environment, but also the social, political and legal consequences and implications of human interactions with that environment. Each volume in this set is well laid out and copiously illustrated with full colour photographs. Questions to help develop arguments can be found in the text with answers provided at the back. Each chapter concludes with a summary to help consolidate understanding before proceeding with the next section.
  • East African Rifts

    • 1st Edition
    • R. W. Girdler
    • English
    Developments in Geotectonics, 7: East African Rifts focuses on the movements, structure, and behavior of the East African rift system. The selection first offers information on the surface structure and plate tectonics of Afar; tectonic and magmatic significance of volcanism in the Afar depression; and preliminary interpretation of the gravity field of Afar, northeast Ethiopia. Discussions focus on crustal models of Afar based on gravity and seismic data, tectonics, volcanism, geological setting, and crustal extension. The text also elaborates on the gravity survey of the central part of the Ethiopian Rift Valley and an aeromagnetic survey of the Afar triangle of Ethiopia. The book examines the arrangement and development of continental rift zones, East African rift development, and the seismicity of the East African rift system. Topics include earthquake mechanisms, seismicity, and the main categories of rift zones. The manuscript is a dependable reference for readers interested in the East African rifts.
  • An Introduction to the Study of Fabrics of Geological Bodies

    • 1st Edition
    • Bruno Sander
    • English
    An Introduction to the Study of Fabrics of Geological Bodies introduces the reader to the method of fabric studies in accordance with the principles of symmetrology, with emphasis on the link between morphological and functional fabrics. Topics covered include affine and non-affine movement-pictures; movement and symmetry of tectonic deformation; tectonics and fluid mechanics; and movement and symmetry of apposition. Some examples of the use and definition of fabric studies are presented. This book is divided into two parts and begins with an overview of the concepts and objectives of fabric studies, paying particular attention to symmetry and rhythm in morphological and functional fabrics; the movement-picture of affine deformations; and non-affine deformation by gliding on a single set of planes. The discussion then turns to the distribution of planar and linear parallel-fabrics in geological bodies; constructive restoration of earlier geometry of tectonic fabrics; tectonics of intrusives with a high susceptibility to componental movement; and mechanical deformation and metamorphism of rocks. The general characteristics of grain-fabrics are also described. This monograph will be a useful resource for geologists and those working in the fields of mineralogy and petrography.
  • The Structure of the Earth's Crust

    Based on Seismic Data
    • 1st Edition
    • Stephan Mueller
    • English
    Developments in Geotectonics 8: The Structure of the Earth's Crust Based on Seismic Data covers the papers presented at an International Upper Mantle Committee (lUMC) symposium called ""Crustal Structure Based on Seismic Data"", held on July 30-31, 1971. The book focuses on the structure, composition, and characteristics of the earth's crust. The selection first offers information on the crustal structure of Central and Southeastern Europe by data of explosion seismology; structure of the earth's crust on the territory of the U.S.S.R.; and seismic studies of low-velocity layers and horizontal inhomogeneities within the crust and upper mantle on the territory of the U.S.S.R. The text also takes a look at the deep seismic investigations in the Baikal rift zone and crust of the arctic seas of Eurasia. Discussions focus on peculiarities of crustal structure, structure of the uppermost mantle, and method of investigation. The publication takes a look at the crustal structure of Japan as derived from explosion seismic data; crustal structure in the Matsushiro earthquake swarm area; and Soviet seismic studies of the earth's crust in the Pacific Ocean during the International Upper Mantle Project. The selection is a dependable source of information for readers interested in the structure of the earth's crust.
  • Monitoring Solar Heating Systems

    A Practical Handbook
    • 1st Edition
    • R. Ferraro + 2 more
    • English
    Monitoring Solar Heating Systems: A Practical Handbook focuses on the CEC Performance Monitoring Group’s objective to draw conclusions on benefits of installing solar heating systems in different parts of the European Economic Community. This book notes that small numbers of domestic solar heating systems have been built and installed in Europe, both in private homes and, more often, in homes built as part of national research and development programs. To demonstrate the value of solar energy and to monitor the behavior and output of solar heating systems, performance monitoring systems have been installed to collect the relevant performance data. Various recommendations are made and mentioned in Chapter 2, while several materials have been drawn together to assist those without previous detailed experience in this field to gain insight into monitoring the solar heat systems; these discussions are included in Chapters 3 and 4. This text also covers the monitoring of solar assisted active space heating systems, solar assisted passive space heating systems, and solar assisted domestic hot water systems. This book is a useful reference for those involved in monitoring the solar heating systems, who consider their task in light of the experience of others.