Dynamic processes in the Earth’s interior and on its surface can be described by geodynamic models. These models can be presented by a mathematical problem comprising a set of partial differential equations with relevant conditions at the model boundary and at the initial time. The mathematical problem can be then solved numerically to obtain future states of the model. Meanwhile the initial conditions in the geological past or some boundary conditions at the present are unknown, and the question of how to “find” the conditions with a sufficient accuracy attracts attention in the field of geodynamics. One of the mathematical approaches is data assimilation or the use of available data to reconstruct the initial state in the past or boundary conditions and then to model numerically the dynamics of the Earth starting from the reconstructed conditions. <...>

This book concisely examines the use of elasticity in solving geotechnical engineering problems. In a highly illustrated and user-friendly format, it provides a thorough grounding in the linear theory of elasticity and an understanding of the applications. The first two chapters present a basic framework of the theory of elasticity and describe test procedures for the determination of elastic parameters for soils. Chapters 3 and 4 present the fundamental solutions of Boussinesque, Kelvin, and Mindlin, and use these to formulate solutions to problems of practical interest in geotechnical engineering. The book concludes with a sequence of appendices designed to provide the interested student with details of elasticity theory that are peripheral to the main text. Each chapter concludes with a set of questions for the student to answer. The book is appropriate for upper level students in civil engineering and engineering geology.

Geomechanics deals with the deformation and failure process in geomaterials, which is literally defined as materials found on the surface of the Earth. Soil, rock, snow, and ice are typical geomaterials. Although in a broader sense in engineering mechanics geomaterials also include concrete, it will not be included explicitly in the discussion in this book. Ice and snow will not be covered either. <...>

This book is intended to be a concise and comprehensive coverage of the key ceramic and glass materials used in modern technology. A group of international experts have contributed a wide ranging set of chapters that literally covers this field from A (Chap. 1) to Z (Chap. 10). Each chapter focuses on the structure–property relationships for these important materials and expands our understanding of their nature by simultaneously discussing the technology of their processing methods. In each case, the resulting understanding of the contemporary applications of the materials provides insights as to their future role in twenty-first century engineering and technology <...>

Since most of the elements used by the society come from mineral extrac-tion, mining of mineral resources provide essential raw material for sustain-able development. Mining however leads to severe impact on the environ-ment, including contamination by toxic metals. A recent Europe-wide survey identified wide-spread pollution problems caused by mining, abandoned mines in particular (COM, 2003). Younger et al. (2002) estimated that about 1,000 to 1,500 km of watercourses are polluted by metal mine discharges in the EU. Through mineral extraction and subsequent mineral processing huge amount of wastes are produced. Metals and metal compounds in wastes tend to become chemically more available, which can result in the generation of acid mine drainage (AMD). Due to great volumes and slow chemical proc-esses, mine waste can release toxic compound for a very long time on the scale of centuries and thousands of years (BAT, 2003). Thus, remediation of mine sites, including abandoned mines, has to consider long-term solutions and remediation technologies have to be sustainable for a long time (Sind-ing, 1999). As an alternative, passive in situ remediation methods for AMD treatment using wetlands that provide means of cheap and sustainable reme-diation has been proposed (PIRAMID, 2003). Around the mine site, soils and surface water in the receiving environment are often contaminated with harmful elements or compounds of AMD. These contaminated sites act as secondary sources for pollution, especially for historic sites (Jordan and D‟Alessandro, 2004). <...>

Most of the land surface of the earth is formed by valley slopes. At a given point on the ground surface it is normally possible to follow the line of maximum slope downwards until a drainage channel is reached; moreover a causal relation between the slope and the channel is apparent. This feature has been little remarked upon, possibly because it is so widespread as to seem part of the natural order. It is nevertheless a fundamental and remarkable feature of the earth’s surface form. <...>

This book has been compiled principally to lead well engineers through advanced drilling and well-design technology. The well-construction process provides the fundamental backbone to support such well design and completion design. We also will introduce the new technology that is applied in the design of wells and in the drilling process.

A Geología Estrutural á urna das principáis disciplinas do curso de formagao de geólogos, com um campo ampio de aplicagoes, que vao desde a compreensao da natureza das estruturas deformacionais na crosta até sua importancia científica e prática.
O livro do Prof. Haakon Fossen faz urna selegao dos temas fundamentáis da Geología Estrutural, abordados com profundidade e de forma didática e abrangente. <...>

New Theory of the Earth is an interdisciplinary advanced textbook on all aspects of the interior of the Earth and its origin, composition, and evolution: geophysics, geochemistry, dynamics, convection, mineralogy, volcanism, energetics and thermal history. This is the only book on the whole landscape of deep Earth processes that ties together all the strands of the subdisciplines.

This book is a complete update of Anderson’s Theory of the Earth (1989). It includes dozens of new figures and tables. A novel referencing system using Googlets is introduced that allows immediate access to supplementary material via the internet. There are new sections on tomography, self-organization, and new approaches to plate tectonics. The paradigm/paradox approach to developing new theories is developed, and controversies and contradictions have been brought more center-stage. As with the Theory of the Earth, this new edition will prove to be a stimulating textbook for advanced courses in geophysics, geochemistry, and planetary science, and a supplementary textbook on a wide range of other advanced Earth science courses. It will also be an essential reference and resource for all researchers in the solid Earth sciences.