Following the successful first edition of this book on drinking water quality and health, this new edition puts more focus on the importance of minerals in drinking water. It includes new scientific material and presents additional studies on the negative health effects of reverse osmosis water. The various safety organizations working on drinking water all warn about unhealthy constituents, as well as elements that can cause corrosion or scaling on pipes and installations. However, drinking water may also provide a substantial portion of the daily mineral intake, especially for the elderly and children, or those at risk of deficiencies due to unhealthy eating habits or starvation. Thus, a holistic approach to drinking water is presented in this book and the scope is extended from standards for undesirable substances to the basic mineral composition of water, examining 22 nutrient elements and ions and 21 toxic substances. The function of the nutrients in the body, symptoms of deficiency and overload, and advantages of the minerals from drinking water are presented, as well as symptoms of toxic elements from drinking water. The authors also suggest healthy ranges of minerals and mineral ratios for drinking water. The book offers a valuable resource for the health evaluation of drinking waters, for private well owners, public water producers and safety organizations alike.

This book is a collection of papers presented in the 30th International Geological Congress, held in Beijing, on mineralogy. The papers deal with topics on fine structures and crystallographic orientations in biogenic magnetite and thermodynamic properties of minerals.

Biometry for Forestry and Environmental Data with Examples in R focuses on statistical methods that are widely applicable in forestry and environmental sciences, but it also includes material that is of wider interest. Features: * Describes the theory and applications of selected statistical methods and illustrates their use and basic concepts through examples with forestry and environmental data in R. * Rigorous but easily accessible presentation of the linear, nonlinear, generalized linear and multivariate models, and their mixed-effects counterparts. Chapters on tree size, tree taper, measurement errors, and forest experiments are also included. * Necessary statistical theory about random variables, estimation and prediction is included. The wide applicability of the linear prediction theory is emphasized. * The hands-on examples with implementations using R make it easier for non-statisticians to understand the concepts and apply the methods with their own data. Lot of additional material is available at www.biombook.org. The book is aimed at students and researchers in forestry and environmental studies, but it will also be of interest to statisticians and researchers in other fields as well.

This book consolidates the latest research on the Hadean Eon - the first 500 million years of Earth history - which has permitted hypotheses of early Earth evolution to be tested, including geophysical models that include the possibility of plate tectonic-like behavior. These new observations challenge the longstanding Hadean paradigm - based on no observational evidence - of a desiccated, lifeless, continent-free wasteland in which surface petrogenesis was largely due to extraterrestrial impacts. The eon was termed "Hadean" to reflect such a hellish environment. That view began to be challenged in 2001 as results of geochemical analyses of greater than 4 billion year old zircons from Australia emerged. These data were consistent with the zircons forming in a world much more similar to today than long thought and interpreted to indicate that sediment cycling was occurring in the presence of liquid water. This new view leaves open the possibility that life could have emerged shortly after Earth accretion. The epistemic limitations under which the old paradigm persisted are closely examined. The book is principally designed as a monograph but has the potential to be used as a text for advanced graduate courses on early Earth evolution.

Energy and water have been fundamental to powering the global economy and building modern society. This cross-disciplinary book provides an integrated assessment of the different scientific and policy tools around the energy-water nexus. It focuses on how water use, and wastewater and waste solids produced from fossil fuel energy production affect water quality and quantity. Summarizing cutting edge research, it describes the scientific methods for detecting contamination sources in the context of policy and regulations. The authors highlight the growing evidence that fossil fuel production, from both conventional and unconventional sources, leads to water quality degradation, while regulations for the water and energy sector remain fractured and highly variable across and within countries. This volume will be a key reference for scholars, industry professionals, environmental consultants and policy makers seeking information on the risks associated with the energy cycle and its impact on the environment, particularly water resources.

This book addresses time-bound geotectonic evolution of the various geological terrains of the Indian continent, on the basis of integrated geophysical studies, like seismic, seismological, gravity, magnetic, magnetotelluric and heat flow, carried out over the past five decades. Further, it discusses elastic and petrophysical properties of the Earth's crust relevant to geological investigations. The book also shares latest findings on the geodynamic development of the Indian shield and nearby continental margins, including Arabian Sea.

This book presents fundamental experimental data and experiment-based theoretical conclusions on, as well as physico-chemical models of, the natural hydrothermal, metasomatic, metamorphic, magmatic and ore-producing processes in the Earth's crust, upper mantle, transition zone and lower mantle. The topics discussed concern the interactions of oil and aqueous fluids as revealed by aqueous-hydrocarbonic inclusions in synthetic quartz and applied to the natural evolution of oil; determining the solubility and inter-phase partitioning of trace and strategic elements and their components; and experimentally validating physico-chemical mechanisms in the ultrabasic-basic evolution of deep-mantle magmatic and diamond-forming systems. In addition, the book presents experimental studies on the physico-chemical properties of supercritical water and hydrothermal fluids, viscosity of acidic ultramafic magmatic materials melts, peculiarities of metamorphism in basic rocks, kinetics of mineral nucleation in silicate melts and hydrothermal solutions, and influence of complex H2O-CO2-HCl fluids on melting relations in mantle-crust rocks, together with novel results and conclusions. Given its scope, the book will be of great interest to all Earth scientists, lecturers and students specialized in experimental and genetic mineralogy, petrology and geochemistry.

This book highlights Indian scientific endeavours and contributions to answering the vast multitude of questions posed by our changing environment. The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) explores Earth's history and dynamics using deep ocean drilling platforms to recover the data locked inside seafloor sediments and rocks. Since 2009, Indian scientists have been actively engaged in these expeditions. Scientists from various Earth Science disciplines have seized this opportunity to offer their expertise in order to help unravel the mysteries of the past - by delving deep into the valuable sedimentary records of our oceans. This book presents a compilation of some of their most important findings to motivate and encourage young minds for their enhanced role in the cutting edge science of ocean drilling.

This book presents contributions devoted to the hydrogeochemical characterization of aquatic environments of Patagonia, including those of Ushuaia city, known as "The southernmost city in the world". Patagonia (between 39 Degrees and 55 Degrees S) is located in southern South America. Eight main river systems pour their waters into the SW Atlantic Ocean. Rivers, with their headwaters mainly located in the Andes, supply dissolved and particulate matter to the coastal zone, as well as nutrients, which benefit biological communities. Besides, freshwater in this region with little anthropogenic impact supports human life and a high wildlife biodiversity. Unfortunately, the recent increase in human activities, such as the use of fertilizers, wastewater discharges, extensive deforestation and dam construction, is affecting the quality and quantity of water resources. The book is of interest for researchers, professors and government agencies that decide on water resources management policies.

Rare-earth intermetallics, also known as lanthanide elements, play an important role in the study of magnetic materials and the development of semi- and super-conducting materials. This handbook provides an up-to-date compilation of crystallographic, physical, and magnetic data on rare-earth intermetallic compounds. Over 20 different structure types are described in detail with an emphasis on how crystal structure can affect magnetic properties. Theoretical models for magnetic interactions are described as well as the impact of crystal electric fields on transport properties, magneto crystalline anistropy and hyperfine interactions. This book provides materials scientists, engineers and physicists with all the critical information needed to use rare-earth intermetallics effectively in the development of new materials.

Addressing the preservation of an increasingly important group of materials, this book outlines techniques for processing minerals and rocks in the field and laboratory, as well as the effects of treatments on specimens. The effects of light, temperature and relative humidity are covered and particularly sensitive minerals such as sulphides, including pyrite, meteorites and lunar rocks, are dealt with in detail.

This book provides a comprehensive summary of research to date in the field of stable iron isotope geochemistry. Since research began in this field 20 years ago, the field has grown to become one of the major research fields in "non-traditional" stable isotope geochemistry. This book reviews all aspects of the field, from low-temperature to high-temperature processes, biological processes, and cosmochemical processes. It provides a detailed history and state-of-the art summary about analytical methods to determine Fe-isotope ratios and discusses analytical and sample prospects.

Carbonate cements are very common and abundant in clastic sequences. They profoundly influence the quality of hydrocarbon reservoirs and supply important information on palaeoenvironments and the chemical composition and flow patterns of fluids in sedimentary basins. Despite this importance, their distribution patterns in time and space and their geochemical evolution are not yet deeply explored and elucidated. This Special Publication contains 21 review papers and case studies on carbonate cementation in clastic sequences written by invited specialists on the subject. These papers present a wide and deep coverage that enhance our knowledge about carbonate cementation in various clastic depositional environments, tectonic settings and burial histories. The book will be of special interest to researchers, petroleum geologists and teachers and students at the postgraduate level.

If you are a member of the International Association of Sedimentologists, for purchasing details, please see: http: //www.iasnet.org/publications/details.asp?code=SP26

Statistical and mathematical models are defined by parameters that describe different characteristics of those models. Ideally it would be possible to find parameter estimates for every parameter in that model, but, in some cases, this is not possible. For example, two parameters that only ever appear in the model as a product could not be estimated individually; only the product can be estimated. Such a model is said to be parameter redundant, or the parameters are described as non-identifiable. This book explains why parameter redundancy and non-identifiability is a problem and the different methods that can be used for detection, including in a Bayesian context. Key features of this book: Detailed discussion of the problems caused by parameter redundancy and non-identifiability Explanation of the different general methods for detecting parameter redundancy and non-identifiability, including symbolic algebra and numerical methods Chapter on Bayesian identifiability Throughout illustrative examples are used to clearly demonstrate each problem and method. Maple and R code are available for these examples More in-depth focus on the areas of discrete and continuous state-space models and ecological statistics, including methods that have been specifically developed for each of these areas This book is designed to make parameter redundancy and non-identifiability accessible and understandable to a wide audience from masters and PhD students to researchers, from mathematicians and statisticians to practitioners using mathematical or statistical models.

This book is a comprehensive advancement about the understanding of the volcanology of Mars in all its aspects, from its primary formation to its evolution in time, from the smaller structures to the bigger structures. It discusses the implications of volcanism in the general environmental and geological context of Mars. The book is validating the Southern Giant Impact Hypothesis explaining the formation of Mars in an interdisciplinary approach, including mineralogical, geochemical, volcanological as well as geomorphological information. Implications for future explorations in terms of resources are provided. This book serves as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate level to foster new basic research in the field of planetary volcanology and is a new guide for future missions toward a volcanic world, including new detailed information for the general audience who is always keen to know more about the history of Mars and its large volcanoes. The book also presents an updated situation about the water resources of the planet.

Most landslides are triggered by rainfall. In previous studies, slope stability is often evaluated based on the infiltration analysis. Hydro-mechanical coupling is significant to rainfall-caused landslide evolution. This book covers theoretical models of unsaturated infiltration, and provides hydro-mechanical models for rainfall-induced landslides. The influences of rainfall patterns, boundary conditions, layered structures, and SWCC hysteresis on the coupled unsaturated infiltration and deformation are discussed. Laboratory testing of rainfall-induced landslides is performed to study the developing process of landslide upon rainfall infiltration. The results provide a better understanding of rainfall-induced landslides.

This book provides a common theoretical and practical basis to the multifaceted nature of magma mixing. This process represents a fundamental phenomenon both in the evolution of igneous rocks and in triggering explosive volcanic eruptions. The topic is attacked surgically merging field evidence, numerical models, and experiments in order to draw the most complete picture about this natural process. Arguments are discussed in the light of Chaos Theory and Fractal Geometry as new tools to understand the role of magma mixing as a fundamental petrological and volcanological process. The book is intended to be a source of information and a stimulus for new ideas in students, young and possibly more experienced researches.

Computer Processing of Remotely-Sensed Images A thorough introduction to computer processing of remotely-sensed images, processing methods, and applications Remote sensing is a crucial form of measurement that allows for the gauging of an object or space without direct physical contact, allowing for the assessment and recording of a target under conditions which would normally render access difficult or impossible. This is done through the analysis and interpretation of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) that is reflected or emitted by an object, surveyed and recorded by an observer or instrument that is not in contact with the target. This methodology is particularly of importance in Earth observation by remote sensing, wherein airborne or satellite-borne instruments of EMR provide data on the planet's land, seas, ice, and atmosphere. This permits scientists to establish relationships between the measurements and the nature and distribution of phenomena on the Earth's surface or within the atmosphere. Still relying on a visual and conceptual approach to the material, the fifth edition of this successful textbook provides students with methods of computer processing of remotely sensed data and introduces them to environmental applications which make use of remotely-sensed images. The new edition's content has been rearranged to be more clearly focused on image processing methods and applications in remote sensing with new examples, including material on the Copernicus missions, microsatellites and recently launched SAR satellites, as well as time series analysis methods. The fifth edition of Computer Processing of Remotely-Sensed Images also contains: A cohesive presentation of the fundamental components of Earth observation remote sensing that is easy to understand and highly digestible Largely non-technical language providing insights into more advanced topics that may be too difficult for a non-mathematician to understand Illustrations and example boxes throughout the book to illustrate concepts, as well as revised examples that reflect the latest information References and links to the most up-to-date online and open access sources used by students Computer Processing of Remotely-Sensed Images is a highly insightful textbook for advanced undergraduates and postgraduate students taking courses in remote sensing and GIS in Geography, Geology, and Earth & Environmental Science departments.

The book is dedicated to the study and mathematical definition of the biogeochemical patterns of organic and inorganic matter interaction with the marine environment's radioactive and chemical components. This book describes the radioisotope and mineral exchange theory between organic and inorganic matters in the marine environment on a time scale of metabolic processes and trophic interactions. The approach is parametrically compatible with modern techniques describing the matter and energy balance in aquatic ecosystems. The criteria for assessing the ecological capacity, biogeocenoses assimilation capacity, and water masses radio capacity, which form the basis of the theory of radioisotope and mineral homeostasis of marine ecosystems, are substantiated. This book presents methods to implement sustainable development of the Black Sea's critical and recreational zones according to the marine pollution factors. This book does that by regulating the balance between the consumption of water quality resources and their reproduction as a result of natural biogeochemical processes are proposed. The book is of interest to scientists working in marine geology, marine ecology, biogeophysics, and biogeochemistry. This book is also necessary for professionals working in institutions and administrations coordinating maritime activities, environmental projects, and developing aquaculture technologies.

This book provides two state-of-the-art quantitative techniques to determine ultra-trace rare earth elements (REEs) in natural carbonates using solution nebulization-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SN-ICPMS) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) with respective applications were presented in this dissertation. These techniques were applied to natural carbonates, including corals and stalagmites, to understand volcano eruptions and the impacts on modern biosystem and paleoclimate regimes. In the first SN-ICPMS protocol, direct measurements for femtogram quantity carbonate samples without chemical separation steps can offer accurate and high-precision analysis (+/-1.9-6.5%, 2 ) with a high sample throughput of 8-10 samples/hr routinely. Application to modern Porites corals collected from South China Sea region, the anomalies of REE contents and Al/Ca ratios associated with micro-domain images, register modern coral reefs could be exacerbated by volcanic eruptions. In the second protocol, a high-sensitivity quantitative open-cell LA-ICPMS technique has been established to allow direct sampling on stalagmite surface in the atmospheric air. This technique improved limits of detection down to sub-ng/g range and promises analyses of carbonate REE profiles at the single digit parts-per-billion (ppb) levels. Application to a 15-cm stalagmite collected from East Timor reveals two peaks of REE contents by at least one order of magnitude, possibly due to volcanic ash preserved in stalagmite. Both improved SN-ICPMS and LA-ICPMS techniques highlight the high-sensitivity and high-temporal-resolution carbonate REE analyses for corals and stalagmites, with great potential to other natural carbonates such as travertine, tufa, and flowstone, benefit our understanding of paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental dynamics.

This Ph.D. thesis attempts to decipher the closure of the Palaeozoic Palaeo-Asian Ocean along the enigmatic Solonker Suture in East Asia adopting a methodology that integrates geochemical and geochronological data from Palaeozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks in the region. It provides an in-detail but also broad insight into the Palaeozoic to early Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the region, not only pin-pointing the debated location of the Solonker Suture but also the timing of final disappearance of the Palaeo-Asian Ocean during Permian to Early Triassic times. The results have led to propose a tectonic 'soft-collision' model for the amalgamation of the North China Craton and the Mongolian Terranes in northern Asia explaining the general absence of geologic features characteristic for continent-continent collisions such as the occurrence of regional-scale high-grade metamorphic rocks, ophiolite belts and fold-thrust structures. This new model may serve as a blueprint for the tectonic evolution of similar suture zones that are characterized by the absence of typical collision related lithologies and structures. The thesis is particularly useful as a guide for researchers who seek an in-depth understanding of the Palaeozoic to early Mesozoic tectonic evolution of northern China and Central Asia along the Solonker Suture.

This book envisages a multi-proxy approach using stable isotopes, geochemical proxies, magnetic susceptibility and associated biotic events for paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental interpretations of the Mesozoic sedimentary record of India. Mesozoic rocks of India record abnormal sea level rise, greenhouse climate, intensified volcanism, hypoxia in seawater, extensive black shale deposition, and hydrocarbon occurrence. The Mesozoic has also witnessed mass extinction events, evolution of dinosaurs, and breakdown of the supercontinent Pangea and the formation of Gondwana. Although the Mesozoic geology of India has witnessed significant progress in the last century, literature survey reveals a huge gap in knowledge regarding sequence stratigraphy, chemostratigraphy and key geological events. A synthesis of sedimentological, paleontological and chemical data is included to presenting a comprehensive understanding of the Indian Mesozoic record to students, researchers and professionals.

This book brings together contributions from groundwater researchers and scientists on underground water resources in Egypt's deserts. The aquifers' quantity and quality are evaluated in many regions of the Egyptian deserts using established methods that can be effectively employed to investigate the potential for sustainable development in Egypt and similarly arid countries. The water resources in Egypt's deserts are subject to deterioration, mainly by land salinization and water deficiency. This book presents the best management practices, water quantity and quality, and optimal and sustainable usage of available groundwater. The book offers a unique guide for all readers interested in groundwater, modeling, and assessment for sustainable development in Egypt and countries with similar weather and water conditions.

Carbon plays a fundamental role on Earth. It forms the chemical backbone for all essential organic molecules produced by living organisms. Carbon-based fuels supply most of society's energy, and atmospheric carbon dioxide has a huge impact on Earth's climate. This book provides a complete history of the emergence and development of the new interdisciplinary field of deep carbon science. It traces four centuries of history during which the inner workings of the dynamic Earth were discovered, and documents extraordinary scientific revolutions that changed our understanding of carbon on Earth forever: carbon's origin in exploding stars; the discovery of the internal heat source driving the Earth's carbon cycle; and the tectonic revolution. Written with an engaging narrative style and covering the scientific endeavours of more than a hundred pioneers of deep geoscience, this is a fascinating book for students and researchers working in Earth system science and deep carbon research.

This book provides an overview on the latest advances in the synthesis, properties and applications of geopolymers reinforced with natural fibres such as pulp fibre, cotton, sisal, flax and hemp. The influence of adding various natural fibres and nanofillers on the mechanical properties of these composites is discussed. Potential challenges and future directions of these composites are highlighted and addressed. The content of this book caters to students, researchers and academics who are interested in the synthesis and applications of geopolymers composites.