Soil is an important but often neglected element of the climate system. It is the second largest carbon store, or 'sink', after the oceans. Despite being a fundamental resource that supports all kinds of life on Earth, concerns related to soil are often not included as an important environmental issue. Climate changes put soil under pressure. The increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere may cause the microbes in the soil to work faster to break down organic matter, potentially releasing even more carbon dioxide. The soil moisture content is being constantly affected by rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns and future projections show that this may continue. This book presents current environmental issues and their remedies for soil which are mainly based on soil degradation, soil pollution and the effect of climate change on the soil. Adding xenobiotic chemicals or other alterations in the natural soil environment for agricultural, industrial or urban purposes result in a decline in the soil quality due to improper use or poor management, which is a serious environmental problem. The book is divided into five parts - soil science, soil physics, soil chemistry, soil biology and soil environment. The first part "Soil Science" serves as the introduction to the book and discusses some common topics such as soil formation, mineralogy, taxonomy, quality and analytical techniques. The second part "Soil Physics" is mainly concerned with the physical properties and processes of soil and their association with effects on air, water and temperature. Soil Chemistry, the third part, discusses the chemical reactions and processes between inorganic and organic components. The fourth part "Soil Biology" explains the biological properties and processes of the soil, with special concern to microbial diversity and its effect on the ecology. Lastly, the fifth part "Soil Environment" discusses the current environmental problems such as climate change and soil pollution, including processes to mitigate these issues through carbon sequestration, nutrient management and land management.

An expert examination of the way climate change is transforming the Arctic environmentally, economically, and geopolitically, and how the challenges of that transformation should be met. A growing number of scientists estimate that there will be no summer ice in the Arctic by as soon as 2013. Are we approaching the "End of the Arctic?" as journalist Ed Struzik asked in 1992, or fully entering the "Age of the Arctic," as Arctic expert Oran Young predicted in 1986? Arctic Doom, Arctic Boom: The Geopolitics of Climate Change in the Arctic looks at the uncertainty at the top of the world as the shrinking of the polar ice cap opens up new sea lanes and the vast hydrocarbon riches of the Arctic seafloor to commercial development and creates environmental disasters for Arctic biota and indigenous peoples. Arctic Doom, Arctic Boom explores the geopolitics of the Arctic from a historical as well as a contemporary perspective, showing how the warming of the Earth is transforming our very conception of the Arctic. In addition to addressing economic and environmental issues, the book also considers the vital strategic role of the region in our nation's defenses.

This book highlights recent advancements and innovations in trenchless technology via the adoption of combined micro-tunnelling and pipe-jacking techniques. This technique is more environmentally friendly, cost effective, less time-consuming and less disruptive compared to conventional open trench excavations for urban construction and urban infrastructure renewal projects. Pipe jacking is a non-destructive technique used in the installation of underground pipelines using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) and thrust forces derived from the hydraulic jack set-up in a deep jacking shaft. It is popular and commonly used worldwide for the installation of sewer and common services cable tunnels as well as for oil and gas pipelines.

This book comprises the proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Canadian Society of Civil Engineering 2021. The contents of this volume focus on specialty conferences in construction, environmental, hydrotechnical, materials, structures, transportation engineering, etc. This volume will prove a valuable resource for those in academia and industry.

This book comprises the select proceedings of the Indian Geotechnical Conference (IGC) 2020. The contents focus on recent developments in geotechnical engineering for a sustainable tomorrow. The book covers the topics related to traditional and latest methods in characterisation of ground at construction sites, recent technological developments/ advances in design of shallow and deep foundations in different subsoil conditions.

Are we now entering a mass extinction event? What can mass extinctions in Earth's history tell us about the Anthropocene? What do mass extinction events look like and how does life on Earth recover from them? The fossil record reveals periods when biodiversity exploded, and short intervals when much of life was wiped out in mass extinction events. In comparison with these ancient events, today's biotic crisis hasn't (yet) reached the level of extinction to be called a mass extinction. But we are certainly in crisis, and current parallels with ancient mass extinction events are profound and deeply worrying. Humanity's actions are applying the same sorts of pressures - on similar scales - that in the past pushed the Earth system out of equilibrium and triggered mass extinction events. Analysis of the fossil record suggests that we still have some time to avert this disaster: but we must act now.

Throughout the Earth's history, the climate and biosphere have evolved together through a complex chain of interactions, making possible the extraordinary variety of ecosystems and life. These interactions also largely determine the response of the atmosphere to increasing quantities of greenhouse gases caused by human activity. Since the climate system has great inertia, this means that we will have to long bear the consequences of our past and present actions, perhaps in the form of unprecedented climate change. In this book, opinions from experts in different areas provide a detailed snapshot of the current "hotspots" in the mechanisms affecting climate system on our planet. By addressing and clarifying key topics of current climate research, it contributes to a clearer understanding of the factors underlying the debate over global warming

Scattered and Filtered Solar UV Measurements provides comprehensive information about the scattered and filtered solar UV environment, the techniques to measure this radiation and the resulting UV exposures to humans. The incidence of skin cancer and sun-related eye disorders can be reduced by the minimization of exposures to UV radiation. For this to occur, a greater understanding of the solar UV exposure to humans for varying conditions and in different environments is necessary. Accordingly, this book aims to quantify, understand and provide information on the filtered and scattered solar UV.
This book is aimed at students and new researchers in the field of solar UV and environmental measurements; however there is sufficient detail to provide a valuable reference for the experienced researcher. Researchers and students in atmospheric sciences, health sciences, environmental monitoring, photobiology and skin cancer prevention will find this monograph useful.

This book includes keynote presentations, invited speeches, and general session papers presented at the 7th International Symposium on Environmental Vibration and Transportation Geodynamics (formerly the International Symposium on Environmental Vibration), held from October 28 to 30, 2016 at Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. It discusses topics such as the dynamic and cyclic behaviors of soils, dynamic interaction of vehicle and transportation infrastructure; traffic-induced structure and soil vibrations and wave propagation; soil-structure dynamic interaction problems in transportation; environmental vibration analysis and testing; vehicle, machine and human-induced vibrations; monitoring, evaluation and control of traffic induced vibrations; transportation foundation deformation and deterioration induced by vibration; structural safety and serviceability of railways, metros, roadways and bridges; and application of geosynthetics in transportation infrastructure. It is a valuable resource for government managers, scientific researchers, and engineering professionals engaged in the field of geotechnical and transportation engineering.

This book comprises chapters on scour and erosion related issues. It is an outcome of the International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ISSMGE) Technical Committee 213 Workshop on Scour and Erosion that was held on December 16, 2020. The ISSMGE TC213 Workshop was attended by 368 participants from 12 different countries worldwide. The contents of this book reflect recent advances in the mechanics and countermeasures of scour and erosion, including coastal protection, erosion control, etc. Covering practical issues of geotechnical engineering with academic and research inputs, this volume will be a useful reference for academia and industry alike.

To effectively utilize mesoscale dynamical simulations of the atmosphere, it is necessary to have an understanding the basic physical and mathematical foundations of the models and to have an appreciation of how a particular atmospheric system works. Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling provides such an overview of mesoscale numerical modeling. Starting with fundamental concepts, this text can be used to evaluate the scientific basis of any simulation model that has been or will be developed. Basic material is provided for the beginner as well as more in-depth treatment for the specialist. This text is useful to both the practitioner and the researcher of the mesoscale phenomena.

This book comprises select papers from the International Conference on Emerging Trends in Civil Engineering (ICETCE 2018). Latest research findings in different branches of civil engineering such as structural engineering, construction materials, geotechnical engineering, water resources engineering, environmental engineering, and transportation infrastructure are covered in this book. The book also gives an overview of emerging topics like smart materials and structures, green building technologies, and intelligent transportation system. The contents of this book will be beneficial for students, academicians, industrialists and researchers working in the field of civil engineering.

"Covers a wide range of topics. Should be both interesting and challenging to the novice. ...a handy guide for those in the field." -- Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society

This book discusses the impacts that weather and climate have on human physical health, longevity, and mental wellness, and acts as a guide to the application of meteorological science in health care. It provides a background on biometeorology by covering basic concepts of human anatomy and meteorology, and how modern biometeorological science can be incorporated into medical practice through diagnosis, prevention and treatment of physical and mental diseases. The recommendations, advice and preventive measures addressed in this book aim to help people adapt to different weather phenomena and changes to minimize negative health consequences, which is increasingly relevant as climate change and its effects on human health become more pronounced and studied. The book is intended for environmental epidemiologists, medical students, physicians, health care providers, climate scientists, insurance industries and policy makers, but will also appeal to general enthusiasts of atmospheric, climate and medical sciences.

on the environment and actively to reduce the burden of mortality and disease on human populations and ecosystems. T ere is no time for complacency. Actions must be taken urgently to protect the environment of Europe and assure the health of its citizens. 1 Executive Director, European Environment Agency 2 Director, Special Programme on Health and Environment, WHO Regional Of ce for Europe 00_weather 00_weather events_neu. indd XVIII events_neu. indd XVIII 22. 06. 2005 22. 06. 2005 13:01:07 13:01:07 Editorial 'Si le respect de l'homme est fonde dans le c/ur des hommes, les hommes f niront bien par fonder en retour le systeme social, politique ou economique qui consacrera ce respect' "Lettre a un otage", Antoine de Saint-Exupery T e global climate is changing. During the last 100 years warming has been observed in all continents with an average increase of 0. 6 +- 0. 2 C (man +- SD) in the course of the 20th century. T e greatest temperature changes occurred at middle and high latitudes in the northern hemispheres. T e trend towards warmer average surface temperatures for the period since 1976 is roughly three times that of the past 100 years as a whole. In the last decades warming seems to be attributable to human activities (man-made environmental changes) like land-use changes, deforestation, urbanisation and the reduction of wetlands. Global climate change is likely to be accompanied by an increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

Provides a global perspective on drought prediction and management and a synthesis of the recent state of knowledge. Covers a wide range of topics from essential concepts and advanced techniques for forecasting and modeling drought to societal impacts, consequences, and planning Presents numerous case studies with different management approaches from different regions and countries. Addresses how climate change impacts drought, the increasing challenges associated with managing drought, decision making, and policy implications. Includes contributions from hundreds of experts around the world.

This book presents a collection of articles concerning key topics which examine the impacts of climate change and variability on agriculture. The application region is the southeastern United States. The main topics include an investigation of the effect of variations in the spatial scale of climate change scenarios on an agricultural integrated assessment, methods of simulating adaptations of climate change, and the relationship between large scale climate variability and local climate and vegetation. This book will be very useful for researchers and policy makers involved in climate change impacts.

This book provides users, pump manufactures, engineers, researchers and students with extensive information about pump's behavior in reverse operation. It reports on cutting-edge methods for selecting the proper PAT and improving PAT's efficiency, discusses PAT's reliability, economic issues and environmental impact as well. The book describes in detail electromechanical equipment of PAT systems, their installation and operation, and gives important practical insight into the use of PAT in water transmission and distribution systems, as part of thermal power plants and cooling systems, in oil distribution systems and other systems as well. It reports on different types on PAT control modes as well as on numerical methods useful for PAT analysis and implementation. All in all, the book represents a comprehensive practice-oriented reference-guide to design engineers, as well as PAT general users and manufactures. It also provides researchers with extensive technical information on the use of PAT thus fostering new discussions and ideas to improve current methods and cope with future challenges.

This textbook focuses on underground ventilation, addressing both theoretical and practical aspects. Readers will develop a deeper understanding of mine ventilation and adjacent areas of research. The content is clearly structured, moving through chapters in a pedagogical way. It begins by presenting an introduction to fluid mechanics, before discussing the environmental conditions in mines, underground fire management, and international legislation concerning mines. Particular attention is paid to development ends ventilation, an area that is underrepresented in scientific research. Each chapter includes a concise theoretical summary, followed by several worked-out examples, problems and questions to develop students' skills. This textbook will be useful for undergraduate and master's degree students around the world. In addition, the large number of practical cases included make it particularly well suited to preparing for professional engineer examinations and as a guide for practising engineers.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of issues related to climate change in the Pacific and will be an invaluable reference for those working in this important field. Climate change represents humanity's greatest threat. The vastness of the Pacific means that no two experiences are the same. This edited volume identifies research that highlights the local impact of climate change on the islands and coastlines of the Pacific. The authors use current research to document climate change via contextually informed studies that engages with local cultures, histories, knowledges, and communities. The transdisciplinary nature and the combination of both academic and non-academic writing makes this book an accessible and important contribution to the field.

Get your umbrella, your sun hat and your snowshoes ready for this thrill-packed journey through the world of weather. Find out about different climates and weather patterns; discover the processes that drive them; learn the secrets of forecasting the weather and read about record-breaking weather and weird weather events, such as 'animal rain', 'ice bombs', 'ball lightning' and much more. This title also looks at the hot topics of pollution and climate change - how human activity can affect the weather, the impact of global warming and, most importantly, what we can all do to help. It's packed with fascinating facts and stories that will bring the extraordinary world of weather to life, making it perfect for budding meteorologists, young and old! Contents includes: Daily Weather Seasons and Climate Extreme and Amazing Weather Using the Weather The Weather is Changing About Lonely Planet Kids: Lonely Planet Kids - an imprint of the world's leading travel authority Lonely Planet - published its first book in 2011. Over the past 45 years, Lonely Planet has grown a dedicated global community of travellers, many of whom are now sharing a passion for exploration with their children. Lonely Planet Kids educates and encourages young readers at home and in school to learn about the world with engaging books on culture, sociology, geography, nature, history, space and more. We want to inspire the next generation of global citizens and help kids and their parents to approach life in a way that makes every day an adventure. Come explore!

This book presents both updated and new measurements on water resources from selective pilot areas form the Middle East. Demand for water has become very crucial notably in arid and semiarid regions like in the Middle East. The changing climate and the increased population are the most striking challenges on water resources in this region where the largest part of its territory is dry lands and deserts with minimal precipitation and high evaporation rates, and thus, the average per capita of water does not exceed 25 m3/year. This resulted in developing many studies and researches in different Middle East countries to clearly identify and assess the hydrological characteristics of the available water resources and to explore new resources in order to secure balanced water supply/demand. As a first of its type, this book introduces comprehensive knowledge on the successful reports of the use of satellite images in water studies in the Middle East, and the economic value resulted from adopting these techniques. Based on illustrated case-studies the book will represent a significant resource for a large number of experts, academics, researchers, engineers and different-level stakeholders including the decision makers.

Did you know that: * Deserts provide food for fish? * 70% of all birds on the planet are chickens? * Climate change was the reason why humans began to talk? * Cows emit harmful methane when they burp or fart? Filled to the brim with 123 astonishing facts about the environment and climate, this accessible book explores the history of climate change and offers suggestions on how we can keep our planet liveable.