In the late 20 th century, biogeochemistry emerged as a new discipline in which the biological, physical, and human sciences collaborate (CGCR, 1999; Schlesinger, 1997). Biological, because the chemical cycles of the planet are mediated by life (Table 1). Physical, because of the strong coupling between climate and atmospheric composition so evident in the glacial-interglacial record of the ice cores (Fig. 1). And, human, because of the massive human disruption of the planet's carbon and nitrogen cycles by fossil fuel burning (which produces CO2 and a range of volatile nitrogen compounds) (Fig. 2). 

Geomorphology is the science concerned with the form of the landsurface and the processes which create it. It is extended by some to include the study of submarine features, and with the advent of planetary exploration must now incorporate the landscapes of the major solid bodies of the Solar System. One focus for geomorphic research is the relationship between landforms and the processes currently acting on them. But many landforms cannot be fully explained by the nature and intensity of geomophic processes now operating so it is also nec~ssary to consider past events that may have helped shape the landscape. To a significant extent, then, geomorphology is a historical science. Since the landsurface is located at the interface of the Earth's lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, geomorphology is closely related to a wide range of other disciplines (Table 1.1). While having a central interest in landforms, geomorphologists must, none the less, be aware of those aspects of allied disciplines that bear on their subject. Equally, geomorphology has a potential, as yet only partially realized, of making significant contributions to these other areas of knowledge. <...>

It is with great pleasure that I present to you the 2013 Global Gold Mine & Deposit Ranking. This is now our third year of compiling the database which is comprised of 580 Mines and Deposits consisting of over 1 million ounces of in-situ resources in all categories. For more information on our methodology please read our previous reports from 2011 and 2012. <...>

The formation and transformation of oceanic sediments involve geological, biological, physical and chemical processes. The knowledge of oceanic sediments and other objects of the Earth and Ocean Sciences therefore requires a multidisciplinary approach. This knowledge considerably increased during the past 50 years, closely following significant progress in the methods of investigation at sea and in the laboratory. In addition, ocean exploration is deeply rooted in History. Our understanding of the Ocean (including oceanic sediments and related processes) progressed step-by-step, following the evolution of techniques and ideas. Chapters 1 and 2 summarize the historical aspects of Oceanography (focusing on Marine Geology), along with the variety of processes that drive the formation and transport of sediment particles as well as their accumulation and transformation in oceanic sediments. <...>