Unless they research the subject for themselves, many people do not realise that the origins and development of the human entity are largely an unresolved mystery. Before the Author's own research, he was among them. He found that he also had been subtly indoctrinated with such remarks 'cousins' and 'relatives' with regard to the apes and assumed like most others, that all the facts where in. When you read the work, you will find that this is simply not true. So begins 'The Human Enigma', a truly epic enquiry into the origins of our world and the creatures that walk upon. In particular, it examines the human brain as a uniquely wonderful creation which can be viewed as a gift from God (or was it the gods?) besides Darwinian evolution and Biblical creation. This book explores the fanatic proposition that mankind's rapid development with regard to the human brain may have been influenced by extra terrestrial sources. This work refers to, and draws together the previous work of respected scientists and looks at the future scenarios that the latest genetic and environmental sciences are pointing towards.

This book is meant for geoscientists and engineers who are beginners, and introduces them to the field of seismic data interpretation and evaluation. The exquisite seismic illustrations and real case examples interspersed in the text help the readers appreciate the interpretation of seismic data in a simple way, and at the same time, emphasize the multidisciplinary, integrated practical approach to data evaluation. A concerted effort has been made for the readers to realize that mindless interpretation of seismic data using sophisticated software packages, without having a grasp on the elementary principles of geology and geophysics, and coupled with their over-reliance on workstations to provide solutions can have appalling results all too very often.

This modern introduction to seismic data processing in both exploration and global geophysics demonstrates practical applications through real data and tutorial examples. The underlying physics and mathematics of the various seismic analysis methods are presented, giving students an appreciation of their limitations and potential for creating models of the sub-surface. Designed for a one-semester course, this textbook discusses key techniques within the context of the world's ever increasing need for petroleum and mineral resources - equipping upper undergraduate and graduate students with the tools they need for a career in industry. Examples presented throughout the text allow students to compare different methods and can be demonstrated using the instructor's software of choice. Exercises at the end of sections enable students to check their understanding and put the theory into practice and are complemented by solutions for instructors and additional case study examples online to complete the learning package.

Volcanoes have terrified and, at the same time, fascinated civilizations for thousands of years. Many aspects of volcanoes, most notably the eruptive processes and the compositional variations of magma, have been widely investigated for several decades and today constitute the core of any volcanology textbook. Nevertheless, in the last two decades, boosted by the availability of volcano monitoring data, there has been an increasing interest in the pre-eruptive processes related to the shallow accumulation and to the transfer of magma approaching the surface, as well as in the resulting structure of volcanoes. These are innovative and essential aspects of modern volcanology and, as driving volcanic unrest, their understanding also improves hazard assessment and eruption forecasting. So far, the significant progress made in unravelling these volcano-tectonic processes has not been supported by a comprehensive overview. This monograph aims at filling this gap, describing the pre-eruptive processes related to the structure, deformation and tectonics of volcanoes, at the local and regional scale, in any tectonic setting. The monograph is organized into three sections ("Fundamentals", "Magma migration towards the surface" and "The regional perspective"), consisting of thirteen chapters that are lavishly illustrated. The reader is accompanied in a journey within the volcano factory, discovering the processes associated with the shallow accumulation of magma and its transfer towards the surface, how these control the structure of volcanoes and their activity and, ultimately, improve our ability to estimate hazard and forecast eruption. The potential readership includes any academic, researcher and upper undergraduate student interested in volcanology, magma intrusions, structural geology, tectonics, geodesy, as well as geology and geophysics in general.

This volume covers near-source monitoring of seismogenic process, in situ probing of active faults, and techniques for seismogenic process monitoring. It is the outcome of multi-disciplinary investigations conducted over a large range of size scales.

A new edition of Peter Francis's highly respected text, reflecting new research findings and new eruptions. Preserving the immense clarity and engaging humour of the first edition including a new chapter on hazards and risk mitigation.

This exceptionally well-illustrated book at a high scientific level describes mud volcanism as a complex, multidimensional phenomenon requiring multidisciplinary study. Mud volcanoes can be used as "cheap windows" to search for gas-hydrates and other mineral resources in the Black Sea region. Nothing similar has been published before, and as one of its unique features the book includes a vast amount of new data unavailable so far to the western reader. The book includes new data on driving forces, mechanisms, origin, geological and geomorphological features of mud volcanoes as well as new data on composition of solid, gaseous, and liquid components of erupted material. It covers a wide geographic region, and its subjects range from geological to environmental to industrial applications.

Time Series Analysis in Seismology: Practical Applications provides technical assistance and coverage of available methods to professionals working in the field of seismology. Beginning with a thorough review of open problems in geophysics, including tectonic plate dynamics, localization of solitons, and forecasting, the book goes on to describe the various types of time series or punctual processes obtained from those systems. Additionally, the book describes a variety of methods and techniques relating to seismology and includes a discussion of future developments and improvements. Time Series Analysis in Seismology offers a concise presentation of the most recent advances in the analysis of geophysical data, particularly with regard to seismology, making it a valuable tool for researchers and students working in seismology and geophysics.