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Books > Earth & environment > Earth sciences > General
Building on the success of T.J.T. Spanos's previous book The Thermophysics of Porous Media, The Physics of Composite and Porous Media explains non-linear field theory that describes how physical processes occur in the earth. It describes physical processes associated with the interaction of the various phases at the macroscale (the scale at which continuum equations are established) and how these interactions give rise to additional physical processes at the megascale (the scale orders of magnitude larger at which a continuum description may once again be established). Details are also given on how experimental, numerical and theoretical work on this subject fits together. This book will be of interest to graduate students and academic researchers working on understanding the physical process in the earth, in addition to those working in the oil and hydrogeology industries.
Spatiotemporal Random Fields: Theory and Applications, Second Edition, provides readers with a new and updated edition of the text that explores the application of spatiotemporal random field models to problems in ocean, earth, and atmospheric sciences, spatiotemporal statistics, and geostatistics, among others. The new edition features considerable detail of spatiotemporal random field theory, including ordinary and generalized models, as well as space-time homostationary, isostationary and hetrogeneous approaches. Presenting new theoretical and applied results, with particular emphasis on space-time determination and interpretation, spatiotemporal analysis and modeling, random field geometry, random functionals, probability law, and covariance construction techniques, this book highlights the key role of space-time metrics, the physical interpretation of stochastic differential equations, higher-order space-time variability functions, the validity of major theoretical assumptions in real-world practice (covariance positive-definiteness, metric-adequacy etc.), and the emergence of interdisciplinary phenomena in conditions of multi-sourced real-world uncertainty.
Many of the challenges of the next century will have physical dimensions, such as tsunamis, hurricanes, and climate change as well as human dimensions such as economic crises, epidemics, and emergency responses. With pioneering editors and expert contributors, Advanced Geoinformation Science explores how certain technical aspects of geoinformation have been used and could be used to address such global issues. The editors and chapter authors have been involved in global initiatives such as Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) and Digital Earth, and research problems such as air quality, public health, and cloud computing. The book delineates the problems communities are likely to face and how advanced geoinformation science can be a part of their solution. It introduces different methods in collecting spatial data as the initial feeds to geoinformation science and computing platforms. It discusses systems for data management, data integration and analysis, the geoinformation infrastructure, as well as knowledge capture, formatting, and utilization. The book then explores a variety of geoinformation applications, highlighting environmental, agriculture, and urban planning uses. Geoinformation science encompasses more than just traditional technologies such as Remote Sensing, GIS, GPS, and supporting disciplines. And although the science continues to become more multidisciplinary, the literature remains compartmentalized according to the traditional disciplinary boundaries. Capturing recent developments in geoinformation science and linking IT with a wide range of Earth sciences, the authors explain how advanced technology and concepts play a significant role in recent advancements. Enhanced with forty-four color illustrations, live examples such as GOS and AirNow, and insights from NASA, EPA, and USGS, the book provides a vision for the future and explores how to bring that vision into reality.
This book gathers peer-reviewed contributions presented at the International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management (SECON'21), held on 12-15 May 2021. The meeting served as a fertile platform for discussion, sharing sound knowledge and introducing novel ideas on issues related to sustainable construction and design for the future. The respective contributions address various aspects of numerical modeling and simulation in structural engineering, structural dynamics and earthquake engineering, advanced analysis and design of foundations, BIM, building energy management, and technical project management. Accordingly, the book offers a valuable, up-to-date tool and essential overview of the subject for scientists and practitioners alike, and will inspire further investigations and research.
***SHORTLISTED FOR THE ROYAL SOCIETY SCIENCE BOOK PRIZE 2022*** ***SHORTLISTED FOR THE RSL CHRISTOPHER BLAND PRIZE 2022*** 'Fascinating... timely, understandable and informative' Forbes Ours is the age of global warming. Rising sea levels, extreme weather, forest fires. Dire warnings are everywhere, so why has it taken so long for the crisis to be recognised? Here, for the first time, climate scientist Peter Stott reveals the bitter fight to get international recognition for what, among scientists, has been known for decades: human activity causes climate change. Across continents and against the efforts of sceptical governments, prominent climate change deniers and shadowy lobbyists, Hot Air is the urgent story of how the science was developed, how it has been repeatedly sabotaged and why humanity hasn't a second to spare in the fight to halt climate change.
Estuaries in every country exemplify the same paradox - they are among the most productive ecosystems and also among the most impacted by anthropogenic activities. And although estuarine biodiversity is key to the ecological and economic health of coastal regions, estuaries are exposed to toxic effluents transported by rivers from remote and nearby conurbations and industrial and agricultural concerns, putting them at risk. Increased attention to environmental issues highlights the fragility and importance of estuaries and brings to the forefront the need for an up-to-date assessment of techniques. Environmental Assessment of Estuarine Ecosystems: A Case Study describes a comparative, multidisciplinary ecotoxicological study of two contrasting estuaries in France. Based on the results of this study, the book presents generalizations about how different techniques might be applied and interpreted in future, similar studies assessing the ecotoxicological status of these vital coastal systems. With contributions from international experts, this reference covers all aspects of estuaries from the physiological to the economical. It introduces the state-of-the-art science required to investigate ecotoxicological problems in many estuaries all over the world. Although carefully focused on a specific region, this book covers a broad range of environmental issues and solutions, demonstrating how various pieces of information can be integrated into a sound assessment. Understanding the observations about this region and the techniques used for its assessment provide a benchmark for assessing, remediating, and applying new developments to other estuaries.
This book gathers peer-reviewed contributions presented at the 1st International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management (SECON'20), held in Angamaly, Kerala, India, on 14-15 May 2020. The meeting served as a fertile platform for discussion, sharing sound knowledge and introducing novel ideas on issues related to sustainable construction and design for the future. The respective contributions address various aspects of numerical modeling and simulation in structural engineering, structural dynamics and earthquake engineering, advanced analysis and design of foundations, BIM, building energy management, and technical project management. Accordingly, the book offers a valuable, up-to-date tool and essential overview of the subject for scientists and practitioners alike, and will inspire further investigations and research.
Environmental policy is often practiced reactively with each crisis addressed as an isolated event. Focusing on development of proactive policies, Global Environment Policy: Concepts, Principles, and Practice provides the essential scientific and socioeconomic framework for formulating pragmatic and comprehensive environmental policies. It discusses topics of interest to American and international audiences. Beginning with basic concepts, the book proceeds successively on to more advanced principles, theories, and practices for developing and implementing comprehensive environmental policy solutions. Topics are introduced in a logical, yet connected, user-friendly manner. Using practical case studies and examples, the book illustrates both the power and limitations of theoretical approaches. It defines the scope and nature of the environmental policy problem, outlining its origins and evolution, and introduces the policy frameworks of the United Nations, European Union, and the United States. Each chapter begins with a case study and ends with a problem set; the questions are designed to elicit practical and critical thinking. The book ends with two capstone problems that exemplify nearly every major topic and aspect presented in this book. Upon completion, students should possess the competency required to examine a real world problem, evaluate it in terms of the concepts, principles, and tools described throughout the book, and develop a practical policy solution for resolving that problem.
Helping you better understand the processes, instruments, and methods of aerosol spectroscopy, Fundamentals and Applications in Aerosol Spectroscopy provides an overview of the state of the art in this rapidly developing field. It covers fundamental aspects of aerosol spectroscopy, applications to atmospherically and astronomically relevant problems, and several aspects that need further research and development. Chapters in the book are arranged in order of decreasing wavelength of the light/electrons. The text starts with infrared spectroscopy, one of the most important aerosol characterization methods for laboratory studies, field measurements, remote sensing, and space missions. It then focuses on Raman spectroscopy for investigating aerosol processes in controlled laboratory studies and for analyzing environmental particles and atmospheric pollution. The next section discusses the use of cavity ring-down spectroscopy to measure light extinction, laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy to identify and classify biological aerosol particles, and ultrafast laser techniques to improve the specificity of bioaerosol detection. The final section examines recent developments involving novel techniques based on UV, x-ray, and electron beam studies. This book offers the first comprehensive overview of the spectroscopy of aerosols. It includes some results for the first time in the literature and presents a unique link between fundamental aspects and applications.
The world's food production is undergoing a rapid and revolutionary transformation, but little is known about it and less is being done to question the wisdom of it. Within a very few years, much of what we eat will have been genetically engineered, without proper consideration of the issues of public health, consumer choice and ecological stability. Against the Grain argues that the consequences of this huge experiment could be catastrophic, and at the very least have been underestimated or ignored by the industries exploiting the new technologies. The authors have unearthed government and industry documents which show these new methods to be far from fail-safe or risk free. Comprehensively supported with facts and references, the book provides a full account of the science and technologies involved in producing 'transgenic plants'. It also explains the scale and speed of what is going on, and argues for full public accountability and control of new developments - before it is too late.
The book describes the structure, composition and evolution of the Earth, the main geological processes occurring on it, and how some crucial environmental matters that are amply debated in the media (e.g. pollution, greenhouse effect) can be fully understood by placing them in the holistic context of the system Earth as a whole. It provides basic information on a series of key geological issues, from the structure and composition of the Earth to the large-scale processes that characterize our planet, such as rock alteration and sedimentation, magmatism, geomagnetism, seismicity, plate tectonics, cyclical migration of chemical elements through various Earth reservoirs (Geochemical Cycles), and evolution of the planet from Hadean to present. It intends to reach a wide readership, which is interested in our planet and wish to have a general and comprehensive view of its origin, evolution and activity. Potential readership includes undergraduate and advanced undergraduate students in Geology and other scientific disciplines, and any moderately- to well-educated people interested in the surrounding world and eager to gain a basic knowledge of the Earth and to reach an integrated view of how our planet is working.
The ability to effectively monitor the atmosphere on a continuous basis requires remote sensing in microwave. Written for physicists and engineers working in the area of microwave sensing of the atmosphere, Ground-Based Microwave Radiometry and Remote Sensing: Methods and Applications is completely devoted to ground-based remote sensing. This text covers the fundamentals of microwave remote sensing, and examines microwave radiometric measurements and their applications. The book discusses the atmospheric influences on the electromagnetic spectrum, addresses the measurement of incoherent electromagnetic radiation from an object obeying the laws of radiation fundamentals, and explores the height limits in both the water vapor band and the oxygen band. The author describes the measurement technique of water vapor in the polar region, details studies of the measurement of integrated water vapor content by deploying a microwave radiometer, and presents several real-time pictures of radiometric and disdrometer measurements. Includes integrated water vapor and cloud liquid water models Contains measurements in adverse weather conditions Illustrates measurement technique in the Antarctic and Arctic regions Describes rain models in different locations including tropical, temperate regions along with radiometric measurement techniques Presents a definite model for measurement of propagation path delay The book summarizes the latest research results obtained in the area of measurements and modeling, describes the atmospheric influences on electromagnetic spectrum along with different gaseous and cloud models, and provides examples of radiometric retrievals from a variety of dynamic weather phenomena.
Around the world, on average, four coal miners die for each million tons of coal recovered. Improving the safety of mining work while responding to the need for increased coal production, however, is impossible without further development of the physics of mining processes. A relatively new branch of science, it tackles problems that arise during mineral products recovery, particularly safety issues such as rock failures, coal and gas outbursts, and methane explosions. The first book to present a unifying methodology for addressing problems such as outbursts and explosions of methane in coal mining, Physics of Coal and Mining Processes integrates theoretical and experimental research on coal and bearing rocks and examines the anthropogenic processes that occur during deep underground mining. The book summarizes the results of recent and established research, including studies conducted at the Institute of Physics of Mining Processes of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, headed by the author. Key topics covered include rock mass in multi-component compressive stress fields and phase conditions of methane in coal. The book also examines state-of-the-art instrumentation and physical methods of analysis, among them x-ray analysis of coal structures combined with computer simulation and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with gas chromatography. Bridging the gap between the academic theory and the practice of coal mining, the book proposes novel methods to predict rock mass condition, control gas-dynamic phenomena, and estimate safe mining loads. A useful reference for scientists, technicians, and engineers working in the coal industry, it also offers an overview of the physics of mining processes for students pursuing careers in the field.
Poor Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) practice leads to poorly planned projects, and ultimately poor environmental protection. Written by recognized NEPA authority Charles H. Eccleston, The EIS Book: Managing and Preparing Environmental Impact Statements supplies focused direction on preparing an EIS, highlighting best professional practices (BBP) and lessons learned from case law that provide valuable direction for preparing legally defensible documents. The book is not about preparing bigger or more complicated EISs-but better ones. Beginning with fundamental topics and advancing into successively more advanced subjects, Eccleston describes EIS preparation as a comprehensive framework for planning future actions, rather than merely a document preparation procedure. He supplies direction for preparing defensible analyses that facilitate well-planned projects and improved decision-making. Discusses EIS document requirements including the Council of Environmental Quality's NEPA regulations and related guidelines, EPA guidance and requirements, presidential executive orders, and case law Covers how to perform a legally sufficient cumulative impact assessment and how to evaluate greenhouse emissions and climate change Details a step-by-step approach for navigating the entire EIS process that includes all pertinent process requirements from issuing the notice of intent, through public scoping, to issuing the final record of decision (ROD) Includes analytical requirements for preparing the EIS analysis and guidance for performing various types of analyses Provides tools, techniques, and best professional practices for preparing the EIS and performing the analysis Presents a case study that reinforces key EIS regulatory requirements, and integrates lessons learned from this case study with appropriate regulatory requirements The book gives readers a firm grasp of the process for preparing an EIS, including all key regulatory requirements that a legally sufficient EIS document must satisfy. No other book synthesizes all such requirements and guidance into a single source for easy and rapid access.
Because prevailing atmospheric/troposcopic conditions greatly influence radio wave propagation above 10 GHz, the unguided propagation of microwaves in the neutral atmosphere can directly impact many vital applications in science and engineering. These include transmission of intelligence, and radar and radiometric applications used to probe the atmosphere, among others. Where most books address either one or the other, Microwave Propagation and Remote Sensing: Atmospheric Influences with Models and Applications melds coverage of these two subjects to help readers develop solutions to the problems they present. This reference offers a brief, elementary account of microwave propagation through the atmosphere and discusses radiometric applications in the microwave band used to characterize and model atmospheric constituents, which is also known as remote sensing. Summarizing the latest research results in the field, as well as radiometric models and measurement methods, this book covers topics including: Free space propagation Reflection, interference, polarization, and other key aspects of electromagnetic wave propagation Radio refraction and its effects on propagation delay Methodology of estimating water vapor attenuation using radiosonde data Knowledge of rain structures and use of climatological patterns to estimate/measure attenuation of rain, snow, fog, and other prevalent atmospheric particles and human-made substances Dual/multifrequency methodology to deal with the influence of clouds on radiometric attenuation Deployment of microwaves to ascertain various tropospheric conditions Composition and characteristics of the troposphere, to help readers fully understand microwave propagation Derived parameters of water, free space propagation, and conditions and variable constituents such as water vapor and vapor pressure, density, and ray bending
There are thousands of environmental analyses prepared each year to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and similar programs. Written by an expert with 35 years of experience in environmental consulting, research, and education, Environmental Impact Analysis: Process and Methods makes the preparation of EIAs not only easier but more thorough. It provides a guide to successfully preparing analyses that are legally defensible; establish the base for environmental protection; and produce better projects, plans, and policies. Following an informal description of the legal requirements, the book breaks down the analysis process into a logical flow of steps and available methods to identify impacts, compare alternatives, and develop impact mitigation measures. The author illustrates each step and analysis method with examples from case studies he managed, providing insight not available from an independent review of the cases. He offers a comprehensive and consistent approach to analysis with each chapter building on information presented in previous sections. The book also describes methods from other programs such as hazardous waste clean-up and Natural Resources Damage Assessment and explains how they can be adapted for use in environmental impact analysis. It compares a diverse array of multi-level environmental impact analysis approaches. Readers learn not only how to produce an environmental document that meets regulations but also clearly maximizes the benefits of the analysis and results in a more useful product with strong stakeholder support.
Under the best of circumstances, preparing an environmental impact assessment (EIA) can be a complex and challenging task. Experience indicates that the scope and quality of such analyses varies widely throughout the U.S. as well as internationally. Written to help practitioners and decision-makers apply best professional practices in the development of EIAs, Environmental Impact Assessment: A Guide to Best Professional Practices provides an in depth, yet practical direction for developing a defensible analysis that meets best professional practices. The book describes preparation of five distinct types of assessments: Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) Preparing Greenhouse Emission Assessments Preparing Risk Assessments and Accident Analyses Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and Environmental Justice The International Environmental Impact Assessment Process Guiding Principles To date, there is significant variation and disagreement about how such analyses should be prepared. The author introduces best professional practices (BPP) for preparing such EIAs that is intended to meet decision-making and regulatory expectations. He supplies a comprehensive and balanced skill set of tools, techniques, concepts, principles, and practices for preparing these assessments. He also includes directions for developing a comprehensive Environmental Management Systems which can be used to monitor and implement final decisions for such analyses. While the book references the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), most of this guidance is generally applicable to any international EIA process consistent with NEPA. With thorough coverage of all aspects of assessments, the book presents a theoretical introduction to the subject as well as practical guidance. It delivers state-of-the-art tools, techniques, and approaches for resolving EIA problems.
This edition retains the case history approach to emphasize the subsurface diagnosis of environments using seismic and geophysical well logs and their application to petroleum exploration and production. This book should be of interest to undergraduates in sedimentology and petroleum geology.
Uses geological examples to illustrate mathematical ideas. Contains a large number of worked examples, and problems for students to attempt themselves. Answers to all the questions are given at the end of the book.
This book offers a comprehensive and detailed summary of our knowledge and understanding of glaciers and sets them within a global environment context. The text explains the significance both of recent advances in glaciology, and of teh many research problms that remain to be solved. The accessible style adopted in the text facilitates a clear understanding of glaciers and the role they play in global issues such as environmental change, geoorphology and hydrology. The use of complex mathematics is avoided as the reader is introduced to important concepts and techniques in modern glaciology such as deforming beds, migrating ice-divides and stable isotope analysis. This is an essential reference book for sutdents, professional geologists and researchers and would be ideal for those who want either a rapid up-date or an introduction to the subject. The books' discussion of recent discoveries and of reserch issues for the future, supported by a thorough reference list, enables readers to pursue their own areas of particular interest.
"This is the major text on the integration of field palaeontology and sedimentology, particularly valuable for both practical lab exercises and students working independently and unsupervised on field projects" Reviewer's comment Field Palaeontology provides a comprehensive, rigorous and unique approach to the analysis of fossils and sediments and offers a practical field guide which no palaeontology student can afford to be without. The past decade has seen immense changes in palaeontology and in the study of sedimentary rocks in general. This edition has been thoroughly revised to take into account these advancements in the subject to produce a book that is unique in its coverage of palaeontology and sedimentology. It aims to provide a basis for evaluating the information potential of fossiliferous sediments, and then to give an outline of the strategy and tactics whicn can be adopted in the field. Field Palaeontology is written for advanced undergraduate courses in palaeontology, palaeoecology, palaeobiology, sedimentology and biostratigraphy within geoscience and geology degrees. It is also useful reading for Masters earth science students and first year postgraduates looking for a grounding in the basics of the subject.
Social trust is a crucial issue to many aspects of modern society. Policy makers continually aspire to winning it and corporations frequently run the risk of losing it. The 'trust deficit' raises vital questions and problems to which until recently there have been few answers or solutions. Experts from both sides of the Atlantic explore the importance for trust of various influences, from individual perceptions to organizational systems, and consider the conditions involved in building or undermining trust. Several authors examine practical hazard management issues, including medical vaccination programmes and popular participation in pollution control and waste management as strategies for enhancing social trust. This book provides insightful analysis for researchers and students of environmental and social sciences and is essential reading for those engaged in risk management in both the public and private sectors.
During the last decades, landscape ecology has developed tremendously. It concerns both the theoretical basis and practical application. The authors follow a hierarchical approach that is inherent in landscape structures and processes as well as in planning practice. They show first approaches for the inclusion of factors of the landscape balance into planning procedures and new methods (GIS-coupled modeling, remote sensing) combined with more classical approaches from the basis of landscape assessment. Approaches for multicriterial landscape assessments are also presented. The overall target is to give recommendations for sustainable landuse and management. Each chapter concludes with a synthesis of the theme under discussion. Ideas concerning the state of the art are integrated as well as future trends in research. All methodological approaches are explained, with examples from differing regions.
Multicriteria analysis is one of the most important fields of decision science. This book gives an outline of the formulation of an appropriate model and presents a comprehensive summary of the most popular methods for solving multicriteria decision problems. In addition to the classical approach the book introduces fuzzy and stochastic methodology, models with uncertainty, social choice and conflict resolution. All methods are illustrated with easy to follow simple examples. At the end of each chapter detailed case studies are given in water and environment management including inter-basin water transfer, urban water management, water allocation, groundwater quality management, forest treatment, ranking water resources projects, reservoir planning, water distribution network design and long-term watershed management. The new methodology and the wide variety of case studies are not easily accessible elsewhere. |
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