The Atlas-monograph presents a novel approach to the study of the development of snow cover based on its crystal morphology and the fundamental laws of natural symmetry. The Atlas displays more than 320 microphotos of crystals of depth hoar and newly fallen, wind-transported, and small- and medium-grained snow in various mountain and flatland regions of Russia. The principal types of geometrical symmetry are shown along with the phase forms of crystal growth and decomposition and constructive and regressive metamorphism in both loose and dense snow. Illustrated are the morphological features of contact interaction between particles in crystal aggregates under free and tightly packed conditions of growth. Phototables of crystals are furnished with schematics and essential explanatory comments underscoring the most important crystal-morphological features of the hydrothermal fields and the fields of deforming stresses in the snowpack. The presented conceptual model describes the unclosed sublimation-metamorphic evolution cycle of seasonal snow cover and the regional variants of this cycle as its polymorphic (in that number regional) modifications. This model serves as a cornerstone of evolutionary concept. Snow cover is represented as a natural community of the shapes of growing crystals interacting with each other and exposed to environmental influences. It is worked out of the empirical deterministic models describing the sublimation-metamorphic cycle of seasonal snow cover and the polymorphic variants of this cycle. The main driving force of processes yielding an evolutionary row of crystals is the internal interactions within a snow pack. For all that the factor of time (the age of the genetic player) plays a crucial role in sublimation metamorphism. Stadiality of the forms of crystal growth and self-development snow layers are revealed. They are a result of the successive process of superposition of ice crystal-chemical symmetry and dissymmetry of the whole system. Soil-snow-atmosphere, according to the known P. Curie principle. The book is intended for glaciologists and snow scientists employed in the study of the structure of snow cover and in avalanche forecasting as well as for specialists in the field of mineralogical crystallography and crystal growth.

'Outstanding Academic Title' Choice, magazine of the Association of College & Research Libraries, American Library Association.Most mountains on Earth occur within relatively well-defined, narrow belts separated by wide expanses of much lower-lying ground. Their distribution is not random but is caused by the now well-understood geological processes of plate tectonics. Some mountains mark the site of a former plate collision - where one continental plate has ridden up over another, resulting in a zone of highly deformed and elevated rocks. Others are essentially volcanic in origin.The most obvious mountain belts today - the Himalayas, the Alps and the Andes, for example - are situated at currently active plate boundaries. Others, such as the Caledonian mountains of the British Isles and Scandinavia, are the product of a plate collision that happened far in the geological past and have no present relationship to a plate boundary. These are much lower, with a generally gentler relief, worn down through millennia of erosion.The presently active mountain belts are arranged in three separate systems: the Alpine-Himalayan ranges, the circum-Pacific belt and the mid-ocean ridges. Much of the Alpine-Himalayan belt is relatively well known, but large parts of the circum-Pacific and ocean-ridge systems are not nearly as familiar, but contain equally impressive mountain ranges despite large parts being partly or wholly submerged.This book takes the reader along the active mountain systems explaining how plate tectonic processes have shaped them, then looks more briefly at some of the older mountain systems whose tectonic origins are more obscure. It is aimed at those with an interest in mountains and in developing an understanding of the geological processes that create them.

Geomorphology is the scientific study of landforms and the processes that shape them. Geomorphology is practised within geology, engineering geology, geodesy, geography, archaeology, and geotechnical engineering. Practical applications of geomorphology include measuring the effects of climate change, hazard assessments including landslide prediction and mitigation, river control and restoration, coastal protection, and assessing the presence of water on Mars. In addition, understanding and recognition how rivers behave is crucial in the assessment of ecological conditions of streams and important for river restoration purposes. In this book, the geomorphological structure of river channel of small streams in terms of River Morphology Hierarchical Classification (RHMC) is analysed. The authors also develop a workflow that aims to facilitate a sustainable land-use decision making that has the concept of a spatial decision support system as its centre. State of the art 3D modelling technologies are applied and information retrieved from these models into a GIS are integrated. It is argued that if a planned land-use involves a strong interaction with the geosphere, geoscientific criteria need to be addressed in the most accurate and transparent manner. Moreover, the most effective erosion control in physical and economical terms is prevention, because once erosion processes accelerate, corrective action is not only expensive, but often also insufficient. The WEPP predictive erosion model is examined in this book, which has been validated for check dam watersheds in Mediterranean ephemeral gullies, in particular for two catchments with semiarid environments representative of the South-East of Spain. The Lisa Matthews Memorial Bay contains a population of the federally endangered Canby's Dropwort (Oxypolis canbyi). A study of the soils, hydrology, and geomorphology of the Lisa Matthews Memorial Bay is also included in this book to aid in the management of the Canby's Dropwort habitat in the bay and to assist in the restoration of the uplands to longleaf pine (Pinus palustris). Twelve pedons were described and sampled for determination of soil texture, pH, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese, and iron.

: Through a process of stakeholder meetings, review of previous reports and extensive correspondence with communities, 178 Alaska communities were found to have reported erosion problems. This book presents the results of the Alaska Baseline Erosion Assessment (BEA), a combination of study efforts specifically funded by the U.S. Congress, and describes how those results were attained. Specifically, this book reports on the flooding and erosion threats that Alaska Native villages currently face, the federal programs that are available to assist villages facing potential disasters, the status of village relocation efforts and how federal assistance to relocating villages is prioritized. This book has been prepared with the intent of providing information to Federal, State, Tribal and local decision-makers that can assist them in making informed decisions about erosion issues in Alaska and in developing strategies and plans for addressing those issues. This book consists of public documents which have been located, gathered, combined, reformatted, and enhanced with a subject index, selectively edited and bound to provide easy access.

The second edition of Beaches of the New South Wales Coast has been rewritten and expanded. It covers all of the state's 757 open coast beaches, as well as 120 beaches in five large bays, including Sydney Harbour, and the 15 beaches on Lord Howe Island - 892 beaches in all. It also covers 276 of NSW top surfing sites. This book has two aims. First, to provide the public with general information on the origin and nature of all NSW beaches, including the contribution of geology, oceanography, climate and biota to the beaches, and information on beach hazards and safety. Second, to provide a description of each beach, including its name(s), location, access, facilities, dimensions and the character of the beach and surf zone. The book comments on the suitability of the beach for bathing, surfing and fishing, with special emphasis on the natural hazards. Based on the physical hazards, all beaches are rated in terms of public safety and scaled from 1 (least hazardous) to 10 (most hazardous).

IAS Special Publication 35, Fluvial Sedimentology VII, comprises of a series of peer-reviewed papers that were initially presented at the 7th International Conference on Fluvial Sedimentology, held in Lincoln, Nebraska on August 6-10, 2001.
The 29 papers in this volume reflect the topical and geographic diversity of exciting research conducted by fluvial sedimentologists at the beginning of the 21st century. Themes represented in this volume include (a) flow, sediment transport, and bedform dynamics, (b) characteristics of modern fluvial landforms, environments and systems, (c) physical analogue and numerical modeling of fluvial systems, (d) the responses of Quaternary fluvial systems to climate change, active tectonics, and/or sea-level change, and (e) characteristics of pre-Quaternary fluvial deposits and evolution of pre-Quaternary fluvial systems.

"Rivers and Floodplains" is concerned with the origin, geometry, water flow, sediment transport, erosion and deposition associated with modern alluvial rivers and floodplains, how they vary in time and space, and how this information is used to interpret deposits of ancient rivers and floodplains. There is specific reference to the types and lifestyles of organisms associated with fluvial environments, human interactions with rivers and floodplains, associated environmental and engineering concerns, as well as the economic aspects of fluvial deposits, particularly the modeling of fluvial hydrocarbon reservoirs and aquifers. Methods of studying rivers and floodplains and their deposits are also discussed. Although basic principles are emphasized, many examples are detailed.

Particular emphasis is placed on how an understanding of the nature of modern rivers and floodplains is required before any problems concerning rivers and floodplains, past or present, can be addressed rationally.

"Rivers and Floodplains" is designed as a core text for senior undergraduate and graduate students studying modern or ancient fluvial environments, particularly in earth sciences, environmental sciences and physical geography, but also in civil and agricultural engineering. College teachers, researchers, and practising professionals will also find the book an invaluable reference.
Presents a process-based approach, which is relevant to modern curricula.
Discusses methods of studying rivers and floodplains and their deposits.
Provides many detailed examples throughout the text.
Emphasises the basic principles of this subject.
As the first synthesis of this entire field, it will be a must-have for all students studying modern or ancient fluvial environments.
Teachers, researchers and practising professionals will find this an invaluable reference tool.

"Rivers and Floodplains" will also be of interest to geologists, geographers and engineers.

Coasts provides a necessary background in geomorphology for those studying coastal systems. It describes the landforms that occur on the coast, their responses to the processes that shape them, and the pattern of evolution that can be determined for different types of coasts over thousands of years. Numerous examples from around the world illustrate the variety of environments. Particular attention is paid to coastal morphodynamics; the co-adjustment of process and form, on rocky, reef, sandy, deltaic-estuarine and muddy coasts.

This volume is a collection of papers produced within the framework of the Italian National Antarctic Research Programme (PNRA) on the monitoring and control of environmental contamination. The volume represents a contribution of the PNRA to the study of planetary contamination and to the understanding of the processes of global change.;The research focuses on the measurement and analysis of trace elements and organic micropollutants in the following matrices: snow/firn, seawater, soils, sediments, suspended particulate matter, pack ice, atmosphere, and biota.;The results presented extend beyond the development of specific analytical methodologies, to explicitly tackle significant environmental issues concerning global changes. Particularly relevant are the results concerning time changes of CFCs in the troposphere and lead concentration in Antarctic snow in Victoria Land, the presence of organic micropollutants in various Antarctica matrices, and the seasonal evolution of trace elements and organics in seawater.

Ice Sheets and Late Quaternary Environmental Change provides a detailed account of the temporal and spatial distribution of ice sheets during the last ice age, and how these ice masses interacted with the environment. This is the first book in 20 years to detail the sizes of ice sheets during the last glaciation and the first to discuss their role in past climate change.
Arranged in two parts, the first part provides the tools required for evaluating past ice sheets while the second part uses these tools to establish the size, extent and dynamics of late Quaternary ice sheets. Assuming no prior knowledge of Quaternary Science, the discussion progresses from the basic principles of how and why ices ages occur, to the interpretation of proxy records of past climate and ocean change.
Instructive accounts of how the geological record can be used as evidence of former ice sheet behaviour and a discussion on the role of numerical models in understanding interaction between ice sheets, oceans and the atmosphere are included in this book. Details of former ice sheets are presented by geographical region along with a number of critical new theories on their size and behaviour.
This book would appeal to 2nd/3rd year students of Quaternary Science, most University Geography, Earth Science or Geology departments, as well as researchers and academics in Quaternary Science.

The last decade has been a period of rapid advances in glacier hydrology and hydrochemistry. These have resulted from the application of new technologies to the direct observation of englacial and subglacial drainage systems via boreholes, from theoretical advances and from increased interactions between fieldworkers and modellers. This collection of papers captures the spirit of these advances highlighting new methodologies, the change in character of hydrological models from lumped conceptual models to physically based, distributed models, and the changing role of field studies in glacier hydrological investigations. Major themes identified in the book are: approaches to defining the structure of drainage systems in cold and temperate glaciers; investigations of the linkages between surface and subsurface components of these systems, and of hydraulic interactions between different elements of subglacial systems; seasonal changes in drainage system properties at local and glacier wide scales; controls on meltwater quality; the integration of field and modelling studies; and problems of scaling up results from studies of valley glaciers to the ice sheet scale.

"Retreat of mountain glaciers ranks alongside sea level rise and extermination of species as one of the greatest threats posed by continued global warming. The authoritative picture painted in "Darkening Peaks" should help bring humanity to its senses and to spur the actions needed."--James E. Hansen, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies
"This important and timely book elucidates how glacier retreat is affecting physical, biological, and human systems simultaneously. The authors' perspectives from mountain regions worldwide provide key insights at both global and local scales."--Cynthia Rosenzweig, Earth Institute, Columbia University
"From an impressive range of disciplinary perspectives and geographic locations, Darkening Peaks provides a refreshing look at the real complexities involved with the causes and consequences of environmental change."--Roger A. Pielke, Jr., author of "The Honest Broker: Making Sense of Science in Policy and Politics"
"Glaciers play a major role in teaching us about our planet's past, and in warning us about its future. They inspire fear, awe, and fascination. Whatever your interest in glaciers, you will find this rich, broadly ranging volume exciting."--Jared Diamond, author of "Guns, Germs, and Steel" and "Collapse"
""Darkening Peaks" is a dazzling fusion of hard science, historical narrative, and cultural context that outlines social responses for coping with our changing environment."--Stephen H. Schneider, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
"Combining the latest research results from the social and natural sciences, "Darkening Peaks" succeeds in giving a timely and detailed account of the cultural perceptions, scientificobservations, trends, impacts, and responses associated with glacial retreat. Highly recommended."--John Schellnhuber CBE, Chief Science Advisor to the German government and Director, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

Based on four decades of research by Professor Andrew Goudie, this volume provides a state-of-the-art synthesis of our understanding of desert geomorphology. It presents a truly international perspective, with examples from all over the world. Extensively referenced and illustrated, it covers such topics as the importance of past climatic changes, the variability of different desert environments, rock breakdown, wind erosion and dust storm generation, sand dunes, fluvial and slope forms and processes, the role of the applied geomorphologist in desert development and conservation, and the Earth as an analogue for other planetary bodies. This book is destined to become the classic volume on arid and semi-arid geomorphology for advanced students and researchers in physical geography, geomorphology, Earth science, sedimentology, environmental science, and archaeology.

A comprehensive review of dryland climates and their relationship to the physical environment, hydrology, and inhabitants. Chapters are divided into five major sections on background meteorology and climatology; the nature of dryland climates in relation to precipitation and hydrology; the climatology and climate dynamics of the major dryland regions on each continent; and life and change in the world's drylands. It includes key topics such as vegetation, geomorphology, desertification, micro-habitats, and adaptation to dryland environments. This interdisciplinary volume provides an extensive review of the primary literature (covering nearly 2000 references) and the conventional and satellite datasets that form key research tools for dryland climatology. Illustrated with over 300 author photographs, it presents a unique view of dryland climates for a broad spectrum of researchers, environmental professionals and advanced students in climatology, meteorology, geography, environment science, earth system science, ecology, hydrology and geomorphology.

Written for anyone interested in coastal geomorphology, this is the complete guide to the processes at work on our coastlines and the resulting features seen in coastal systems across the world. Accessible to students from a range of disciplines, the quantitative approach of this book helps to build a solid understanding of wave and current processes that shape coastlines. From sandy beaches to coral reefs, the major coastal features are related to contemporary processes and to sea-level changes over the past 25,000 years. Key equations describing these processes and standard methods and instrumentation used to collect measurements are all presented in this wide-ranging overview. Designed to support a one- or two-semester course and grounded in current research, this second edition has been substantially updated and rewritten - featuring cutting-edge new topics, insights from new models and technologies, additional global examples and an enhanced package of online teaching materials.

This book introduces the reader to the unique geology of Greece. This country is a natural geology laboratory that can help us understand the present-day active geodynamic processes in the Hellenic orogenic arc, including earthquakes, volcanoes, coastline changes and other processes of uplift and subsidence, as well as the intense erosion, transport and deposition of sediments. Additionally, Greece offers a remarkable geological museum, reflecting the complex history of the area over the last 300 million years. By studying the rocks of Greece, one can discover old oceanic basins, e.g. in the Northern Pindos and Othrys mountains, crystalline rocks of Palaeozoic age, old granitic and volcanic rocks, as well as other sedimentary rocks including fossils from the shallow neritic facies to pelagic and abyssal facies. The younger sediments demonstrate the continuously changing palaeogeography of Greece, with areas of lakes, high plateaus and gulfs that are transformed into new forms of islands, peninsulas or high mountains, etc. All the above subjects are included in the book, which describes the tectonic structure of the geological strata, together with the evolutionary stages of the palaeogeography and geodynamics within the broader Mediterranean context. A special characteristic of the book is the development of the orogenic model of the Hellenides with the application of the tectono-stratigraphic terrane concept in the Tethyan system.

Take this book to the beach; it will open up a whole new world. Illustrated throughout with color photographs, maps, and graphics, it explores one of the planet's most dynamic environments - from tourist beaches to Arctic beaches strewn with ice chunks to steaming hot tropical shores. "The World's Beaches" tells how beaches work, explains why they vary so much, and shows how dramatic changes can occur on them in a matter of hours. It discusses tides, waves, and wind; the patterns of dunes, washover fans, and wrack lines; and the shape of berms, bars, shell lags, cusps, ripples, and blisters. What is the world's longest beach? Why do some beaches sing when you walk on them? Why do some have dark rings on their surface and tiny holes scattered far and wide? This fascinating, comprehensive guide also considers the future of beaches, and explains how extensively people have affected them - from coastal engineering to pollution, oil spills, and rising sea levels.

Although much is known about the processes and effects of land degradation and climate change, little is understood about the links between them. Less still is known about how these processes are likely to interact in different social-ecological systems around the world, or how societies might be able to adapt to this twin challenge. This book identifies key vulnerabilities to the combined effects of climate change and land degradation around the world. It identifies triple-win adaptations that can tackle both climate change and land degradation, whilst supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services. The book discusses methods for monitoring effects of climate change and land degradation, and adaptations to these processes. It argues for better co-operation and knowledge exchange, so that the research, land user and policy communities can work together more effectively to tackle these challenges, harnessing the "wisdom of crowds" to assess vulnerability and adapt to climate change and land degradation, whilst protecting livelihoods and biodiversity.

"Understanding Sea-Level Rise and Variability" identifies the major impacts of sea-level rise, presents up-to-date assessments of past sea-level change, thoroughly explores all of the factors contributing to sea-level rise, and explores how sea-level extreme events might change. It identifies what is known in each area and what research and observations are required to reduce the uncertainties in our understanding of sea-level rise so that more reliable future projections can be made. A synthesis of findings provides a concise summary of past, present and future sea-level rise and its impacts on society.

Key Features: Book includes contributions from a range of international sea level experts Multidisciplinary Four color throughout Describes the limits of our understanding of this crucial issue as well as pointing to directions for future research

The book is for everyone interested in sea-level rise and its impacts, including policy makers, research funders, scientists, students, coastal managers and engineers.

Additional resources for this book can be found at: http: //www.wiley.com/go/church/sealevel.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1973.

The world's coastlines represent a myriad of dynamic and constantly changing environments. Heavily settled and intensely used areas, they are of enormous importance to humans and understanding how they are shaped and change is crucial to our future.
Introduction to Coastal Processes and Geomorphologybegins by discussing coastal systems and shows how these systems link to the processes examined in detail throughout the book. These include the morphodynamic paradigm, tides, waves and sediment transport. Later chapters explore fluvial deltas, estuaries, beaches and barriers, coastal sand dunes and geologically-influenced coasts such as cliffs, coral reefs and atolls.
A new chapter addresses the forward-facing aspect of coastal morphodynamics, including the ways in which coasts respond to rapid climate changes such as present day global warming. Also new to this second edition is a chapter on future coasts which considers the wider effects of coastal change on other important aspects of coastal systems, including ecology, management, socio-cultural activities, built and natural heritage, and archaeology.
Case studies using examples from around the world illustrate theory in practice and bring the subject to life. Each chapter starts by outlining the 'aims' and questions at the end allow you to track your progress.

Geomorphological landforms and processes exert a strong influence on surface engineering works, yet comparatively little systematic information on geomorphology is available to engineers. This book presents a worldwide view of geomorphology for engineers and other professionals on the near-surface engineering problems associated with the various landscapes. This new and completely revised edition has additional chapters with an improved format and is broadly divided into three parts.;The first part is concerned with the major factors which control the materials, form and processes on the Earth's surfaces. The second part deals with the geomorphological processes which help shape land surfaces and influence their engineering characteristics and the final part covers environments and landscapes, including some specialist chapters. Each chapter is written by leading authorities on the subject and is both self-contained and referenced with other chapters as appropriate to make a balanced whole.;Readership: practitioners and academics in civil, geotechnical, foundation engineering, soil and rock mechanics, and engineering geology.; Practitioners, postgraduate and advanced undergraduates