The written history and archaeological records of Central Scotland takes us back to Pictish times some 5,000 years ago. The geology of the area stretches back a further 400 million years. The oldest rocks are found near Lesmahagow and in the Pentland Hills. Known geologically as 'inliers'- small areas of rocks from an older age, surrounded by younger strata - these strata have yielded some of the oldest fish on earth and are highly prized for what they tell us about early life on the planet. Rocks of the Old Red Sandstone and the succeeding Carboniferous era underlie the rest of Central Scotland in almost equal measure. Explosive volcanic rocks, thick layers of lava, desert sandstones, limestones and productive coal measures make up this bedrock patchwork. Then, sometime later, a covering of ice, some two kilometres thick, blanketed the landscape. It sandpapered and burnished the bedrock into the familiar scenes we see today - our matchless Scottish landscape. The coal and iron ore which lay beneath the ground between Edinburgh and Glasgow provided the raw materials that drove the Industrial Revolution in Scotland, and the early focus on understanding the rocks beneath our feet was unsurprisingly initially concentrated on the most useful minerals resources.

For many Americans, Katrina's deadly destructiveness offered a first harrowing lesson in the power of hurricanes. For those living along the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, Katrina was one more disastrous encounter with an overwhelming force of nature. As evidence mounts that these tropical cyclones will only grow more frequent and intense, this book offers a much-needed opportunity to understand the workings of hurricanes. Two recognized authorities on climate and weather gives readers a close look at hurricanes past and present, from the historic Galveston storm of 1900 to the devastating Katrina. Along with near-incredible stories of damage wreaked and lives altered, this book provides a clear and concise introduction to the mechanics of the storms. In scientifically accurate but easily comprehensible terms, the authors explain the formidable wind speed, the heavy rains, and the eye of the hurricane, all accompanied by detailed diagrams and spectacular color photographs. Their work makes it possible for readers to make informed decisions about a natural phenomenon that increasingly affects our lives.

Learn basic Python programming to create functional and effective visualizations from earth observation satellite data sets Thousands of satellite datasets are freely available online, but scientists need the right tools to efficiently analyze data and share results. Python has easy-to-learn syntax and thousands of libraries to perform common Earth science programming tasks. Earth Observation Using Python: A Practical Programming Guide presents an example-driven collection of basic methods, applications, and visualizations to process satellite data sets for Earth science research. Gain Python fluency using real data and case studies Read and write common scientific data formats, like netCDF, HDF, and GRIB2 Create 3-dimensional maps of dust, fire, vegetation indices and more Learn to adjust satellite imagery resolution, apply quality control, and handle big files Develop useful workflows and learn to share code using version control Acquire skills using online interactive code available for all examples in the book The American Geophysical Union promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. Its publications disseminate scientific knowledge and provide resources for researchers, students, and professionals. Find out more about this book from this Q&A with the Author

From the hair of a famous dead poet to botanical ornaments and meat pies, the subjects of this book are dynamic, organic artifacts. A cross-disciplinary collection of essays, Organic Supplements examines the interlaced relationships between natural things and human beings in early modern and eighteenth-century Europe. The material qualities of things as living organisms - and things that originate from living organisms - enabled a range of critical actions and experiences to take place for the people who wore, used, consumed, or perceived them.