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Elsevier

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.

  • Prospecting and Exploration of Mineral Deposits

    • 2nd Edition
    • Volume 21
    • M. Böhmer + 1 more
    • English
    This is the completely revised edition of a book which was published in 1978 and, such was its popularity, was sold out within two years. It was described as ``An excellent compilation and condensation of a vast field of literature and experience in economic geology. Clear illustrations, charts and tables punctuate the text material very nicely... Valuable for all economic geologists and resource developers.'' (Choice).The material is illustrated by 215 text figures and 76 tables, and is presented in two parts. The first part covers the geological background of the genesis of mineral deposits as a clue to new discoveries, and the methods of geological, geochemical and geophysical prospecting. The second part concerns sampling, documentation and computation of ore reserves and economic assessment of mineral deposits. This new edition has been very extensively revised and brought up to date. This holds true particularly for the chapters on geochemical and geophysical methods, the use of photo-geology and satellite imagery, oil and gas prospecting, exploration of underwater minerals, the application of the principles of global tectonics in prospecting for deposits, and the evaluation of reserves. These new or thoroughly revised chapters comprise almost half of the entire text.

  • The Physics of the Earth's Core

    An Introduction
    • 1st Edition
    • P. Melchior
    • English
    An expanded version of a course on the physics of the Earth's interior by an internationally recognised expert in the field. It is a reference text providing condensed information on those essential physical topics needed by both the non-specialist scientist and student to follow the most recent developments in internal geophysics. It is a key to understanding papers covering theoretical geophysics where the basic formulae, definitions and theorems cannot be explained in detail due to the limited space and thus enables the reader to remain aware of the continuous progress being made in studying the Earth's interior.

  • Geographic Information Systems for Geoscientists

    Modelling with GIS
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 13
    • G.F. Bonham-Carter
    • Daniel F Merriam
    • English
    Geographic Information Systems for Geoscientists is unique in its coverage of examples from the geological sciences, many centred on applications to mineral exploration. The underlying principles of GIS are stressed and emphasis placed on the analysis and modelling of spatial data with applications to site selection and potential mapping. The book commences with a definition of GIS and describes a case study of mapping mineral potential. The ways in which spatial data are organized with models (raster, vector, relational) are discussed and data structures, such as quadtrees and topological structures are introduced. Data input including digitizing, geographic projections and conversions is covered together with output (visualization, representation of colour and spatial query). Spatial data transformations are dealt with thoroughly and attention is paid to map analysis and modelling as related to single maps, map pairs and multiple maps respectively. Methods of quantifying the associations between pairs of maps are emphasized. Finally, examples of landfill site selection and mineral potential mapping illustrate the application of map algebra for combining maps and tables with models, employing Boolean logic, index weighting, fuzzy logic and probability methods such as weights of evidence. There is an extensive glossary of terms, and references accompany each chapter. Contains 40 pages of colour illustrations.

  • Extractive Metallurgy of Copper

    • 3rd Edition
    • A.K. Biswas + 1 more
    • English
    A completely revised and up-to-date edition containing comprehensive industrial data. The many significant changes which occurred during the 1980s and 1990s are chronicled. Modern high intensity smelting processes are presented in detail, specifically flash, Contop, Isasmelt, Noranda, Teniente and direct-to-blister smelting. Considerable attention is paid to the control of SO2 emissions and manufacture of H2SO4. Recent developments in electrorefining, particularly stainless steel cathode technology are examined. Leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning are evaluated together with their impact upon optimizing mineral resource utilization. The volume targets the recycling of copper and copper alloy scrap as an increasingly important source of copper and copper alloys. Copper quality control is also discussed and the book incorporates an important section on extraction economics.Each chapter is followed by a summary of concepts previously described and offers suggested further reading and references.

  • The Ocean Basins

    Their Structure and Evolution
    • 1st Edition
    • Joan Brown
    • Gerry Bearman
    • English
    This Volume describes the processes that shape ocean basins, determine the structure and composition of the ocean crust, and control the major features of the continental margins. Further subjects examined are the 'hot springs' of the deep oceans, the main pattern of sediment distribution in ocean basins including the recording of past climatic and sea-level changes, and the role of oceans as an integral part of global chemical cycles. Each Volume in this set is well laid out and copiously illustrated with full colour photographs, graphs and graphics. Questions to help develop arguments and/or understanding can be found in the text and at the end of each chapter, with worked answers provided at the back of each Volume. Each chapter also concludes with a sum mary to help consolidate understanding before the next chapter is begun.

  • Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology

    • 1st Edition
    • Swapan Kumar Haldar
    • English
    Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology presents the essentials of both disciplines through an approach accessible to industry professionals, academic researchers, and students. Mineralogy and petrology stand as the backbone of the geosciences. Detailed knowledge of minerals and rocks and the process of formation and association are essential for practicing professionals and advanced students. This book is designed as an accessible, step-by-step guide to exploring, retaining, and implementing the core concepts of mineral and hydrocarbon exploration, mining, and extraction. Each topic is fully supported by working examples, diagrams and full-color images. The inclusion of petroleum, gas, metallic deposits and economic aspects enhance the book’s value as a practical reference for mineralogy and petrology. Authored by two of the world’s premier experts, this book is a must for any young professional, researcher, or student looking for a thorough and inclusive guide to mineralogy and petrology in a single source.

  • Coal and Coalbed Gas

    Fueling the Future
    • 1st Edition
    • Romeo M. Flores
    • English
    Bridging the gap in expertise between coal and coalbed gas, subfields in which opportunities for cross training have been nonexistent, Coal and Coalbed Gas sets the standard for publishing in these areas. This book treats coal and coalbed gas as mutually inclusive commodities in terms of their interrelated origin, accumulation, composition, distribution, generation, and development, providing a balanced understanding of this energy mix. Currently considered a non-renewable energy resource, coalbed gas, or coalbed methane, is a form of natural gas extracted from coal beds. In recent years, countries have begun to seek and exploit coal for its clean gas energy in an effort to alleviate environmental issues that come with coal use, making a book on this topic particularly timely. This volume takes into account processes of coalification, gasification, and storage and reservoir characterization and evaluation and looks at water management and environmental impacts as well.

  • Inverse Problem Theory

    Methods for Data Fitting and Model Parameter Estimation
    • 1st Edition
    • A. Tarantola
    • English
    Inverse Problem Theory is written for physicists, geophysicists and all scientists facing the problem of quantitative interpretation of experimental data. Although it contains a lot of mathematics, it is not intended as a mathematical book, but rather tries to explain how a method of acquisition of information can be applied to the actual world.The book provides a comprehensive, up-to-date description of the methods to be used for fitting experimental data, or to estimate model parameters, and to unify these methods into the Inverse Problem Theory. The first part of the book deals with discrete problems and describes Maximum likelihood, Monte Carlo, Least squares, and Least absolute values methods. The second part deals with inverse problems involving functions.The book is almost completely self-contained, with all important concepts carefully introduced. Although theoretical concepts are strongly emphasized, the author has ensured that all the useful formulas are listed, with many special cases included. The book will thus serve equally well as a reference manual for researchers needing to refresh their memories on a given algorithm, or as a textbook in a course for undergraduate or graduate students.

  • Seismic Stratigraphy and Depositional Facies Models

    • 1st Edition
    • P.C.H. Veeken
    • English
    The 2e of Seismic Stratigraphy and Depositional Facies Models summarizes basic seismic interpretation techniques and demonstrates the benefits of integrated reservoir studies for hydrocarbon exploration. Topics are presented from a practical point of view and are supported by well-illustrated case histories. The reader is taken from a basic level to more advanced study techniques. The presented modern geophysical techniques allow more accurate prediction of the changes in subsurface geology. Dynamics of sedimentary environments are discussed their relation to global controling factors, and a link is made to high-resolution sequence stratigraphy. The interest in seismic stratigraphic techniques to interpret reflection datasets is well established. The advent of sophisticated subsurface reservoir studies and 4D monitoring for optimizing the hydrocarbon production in existing fields demonstrate the importance of the 3D seismic methodology. The added value of reflection seismics to the petroleum industry has clearly been proven over the last few decades. Seismic profiles and 3D cubes form a vast and robust data source to unravel the structure of the subsurface. Larger offsets and velocity anisotropy effects give access to more details on reservoir flow properties like fracture density, porosity and permeability distribution. Elastic inversion and modeling may tell something about the change in petrophysical parameters. Seismic investigations provide a vital tool for the delineation of subtle hydrocarbon traps, and they are the basis for understanding the regional basin framework and the stratigraphic subdivision. Seismic stratigraphy combines two very different scales of observation: the seismic and well control. The systematic approach applied in seismic stratigraphy explains why many workers are using the principles to evaluate their seismic observations.

  • The Mendip Caves

    • 3rd Edition
    • H. E. Balch
    • English
    The Mendip Caves examines the demographic features of Wookey Hole caves, and the Cheddar gorge and caves. This book contains eight chapters that discuss the history of the places and the caves. The first chapters addresses some important exploration of the subterranean river, Cox’s cave, Gough’s cave, Swallet caves, Rock shelters, and the Badger Hole. The succeeding chapters describe the great Cave of Wookey Hole; characteristics and personalities of the people living in the cave; description of the noises heard inside the cave; the discovery and historical background of the cave; and detailed description of Valley of Wookey Hole and the Gorge of Ebbor. Other chapters examine the artefacts discovered in the cave, the traditions and daily activities done inside the cave, and the antiquity of the caves of Mendip. The last chapters explore the caves and shelters of eastern Mendip, as well as the Levvy of Sandford Hill. The book can provide useful information to the archaeologists, explorers, students, and researchers.

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