Mathematical astrophysics and mathematical geophysics have their own journals and conferences, where practitioners discuss mathematical formulations that come to grips with the physical processes of the cosmos and planet Earth. Mathematical petrophysics is by no means new. It started in 1942 with the publication of an equation: the Archie equation.

The world is faced with opportunities and challenges that require ever-increasing amounts of raw materials to fuel various industrial sectors, and, at the same time, meet environmental constraints associated with excavating and processing these raw materials. In addition, gradual depletion of mineral resources and the necessity of handling more complex forms of resources, primary and secondary, have led to challenges in the development of state-of-the-art technologies that are metallurgically efficient and environmentally friendly. Unquestionably, technology advances are the key to sustaining a sufficient supply of necessary raw materials.

Two words are used to describe the result of a stress: ‘deformation’ and ‘strain’. Deformation is a general term describing the change of shape, size and/or position of an object, while strain (or ‘internal’ deformation) is used when associated with some quantification of shape change. (Note that in French, deformation is used for both meanings.)
No stress, no deformation. Let us begin with deformation, which is the consequence of applying some stress. In the following section, however, symbols referring to a stress will naturally appear here and there. They name the principal directions of push (σ1) and pull (σ3). <...>

The roots of sedimentology and stratigraphy extend back to the 16th century; however, these disciplines are still growing and changing. Geologists continue to "fine tune" sedimentologic and stratigraphic concepts through a variety of research avenues and by using an array of increasingly sophisticated research tools. T he result is a continuous outpouring of fresh data and new ideas. In fact, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep abreast of the flood of new information appearing in the geological literature. A glance through recent issues of a well-known sedimentology journal reveals important new papers on sedimentation and tectonics, depositional systems, carbonates, biosedimentology, diageneis, provenance, geochemistry, sediment transport and sedimentary structures, stratigraphic architecture, chronostratigraphy, numerical modeling, paleoclimatology, sequence stratigraphy, and basin analysis-to name but a few research areas. <...>