The twelve contributions in this volume represent the results of a ten year interdisciplinary workshop on "desert margins" - concerned with the geomorphological, geochemica, mineralogical, sedimentological, soil scientific characterisation of (semi-) deserts in Spain, Africa, Arabia and China. Desert sediments and soils as well as processes and characteristics of their formation are regarded from different geoscientific perspectives. The subjects of research include the development of desert soils and landscapes, the formation of (alluvial) loess, swamp ores, fulgurites and floodout sediments and focus on the reconstruction of palaeoecological events and changes. A critical study of dating methods rounds off the book.

The application of thermal analysis is outlined by 18 contributions, writtenby experts in the various fields of geosciences. Emphasis was laid on the determination of minerals and technical products, kinetic parameters and calorific values in glass and ceramics technology, characterization of raw materials (e.g. clays, industrial minerals), in quality control and performance assessment, but also in environment protection from soil and water pollution, using re-evaluated existing and new data and improved combined modern methods. This book is addressed to practitioners, scientistsand students in mineralogy/crystallography, applied geology, material sciences, and environmental sciences.