Subsurface Hydrology
Data Integration for Properties and Processes
Part 171 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 171.
Groundwater is a critical resource and the PrinciPal source of drinking water for over 1.5 billion people. In 2001, the National Research Council cited as a "grand challenge" our need to understand the processes that control water movement in the subsurface. This volume faces that challenge in terms of data integration between complex, multi-scale hydrologie processes, and their links to other physical, chemical, and biological processes at multiple scales.
Subsurface Hydrology: Data Integration for Properties and Processes presents the current state of the science in four aspects:
• Approaches to hydrologie data integration
• Data integration for characterization of hydrologie properties
• Data integration for understanding hydrologie processes
• Meta-analysis of current interpretations
Scientists and researchers in the field, the laboratory, and the classroom will find this work an important resource in advancing our understanding of subsurface water movement.
Post-Perovskite
The Last Mantle Phase Transition
Part 174 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 174.
Discovery of the perovskite to post-perovskite phase transition in MgSiO3, expected to occur for deep mantle conditions, was first announced in April 2004. This immediately stimulated numerous studies in experimental and theoretical mineral physics, seismology, and geodynamics evaluating the implications of a major lower mantle phase change. A resulting revolution in our understanding of the D″ region in the lowermost mantle is well underway. This monograph presents the multidisciplinary advances to date ensuing from interpreting deep mantle seismological structures and dynamical processes in the context of the experimentally and theoretically determined properties of the post-perovskite phase change, the last silicate phase change likely to occur with increasing pressure in lowermost mantle rocks.
A Continental Plate Boundary
Tectonics at South Island, New Zealand
Part 175 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 175.
A Continental Plate Boundary offers in one place the most comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge for researchers and students to learn about the tectonics and plate dynamics of the Pacific-Australian continental plate boundary in South Island and about the application of modern geological and geophysical methods. It examines what happens when convergence and translation occur at a plate boundary by
• Describing the geological and geophysical signature of a continental transform fault,
• Identifying the diverse vertical and lateral patterns of deformation at the plate boundary,
• Assessing an apparent seismicity gap on the plate boundary fault and fast-moving plate motions,
• Comparing this plate boundary to other global convergent continental strike-slip plate boundaries,
• Documenting the utility of the double-sided, onshore-offshore seismic method for exploration of a narrow continental island, and
• Providing additional papers presenting previously unpublished results.
This volume will prove invaluable for seismologists, tectonophysicists, geodesists and potential-field geophysicists, geologists, geodynamicists, and students of the deformation of tectonic plates.
Exploring Venus as a Terrestrial Planet
Part 176 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 176.
With the search for extra-solar planets in full gear, it has become essential to gain a more detailed understanding of the evolution of the other earth-like planets in our own solar system. Space missions to Venus, including the Soviet Veneras, Pioneer Venus, and Magellan, provided a wealth of information about this planet' enigmatic surface and atmosphere, but left many fundamental questions about its origin and evolution unanswered.
This book discusses how the study of Venus will aid our understanding of terrestrial and extra-solar planet evolution, with particular reference to surface and interior processes, atmospheric circulation, chemistry, and aeronomy. Incorporating results from the recent European Venus Express mission, Exploring Venus as a Terrestrial Planet examines the open questions and relates them to Earth and other terrestrial planets. The goal is to stimulate thinking about those broader issues as the new Venus data arrive.
Ocean Modeling in an Eddying Regime
Part 177 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 177.
This monograph is the first to survey progress in realistic simulation in a strongly eddying regime made possible by recent increases in computational capability. Its contributors comprise the leading researchers in this important and constantly evolving field.
Divided into three parts
• Oceanographic Processes and Regimes: Fundamental Questions
• Ocean Dynamics and State: From Regional to Global Scale, and
• Modeling at the Mesoscale: State of the Art and Future Directions
The volume details important advances in physical oceanography based on eddy resolving ocean modeling. It captures the state of the art and discusses issues that ocean modelers must consider in order to effectively contribute to advancing current knowledge, from subtleties of the underlying fluid dynamical equations to meaningful comparison with oceanographic observations and leading-edge model development. It summarizes many of the important results which have emerged from ocean modeling in an eddying regime, for those interested broadly in the physical science. More technical topics are intended to address the concerns of those actively working in the field.
Magma to Microbe
Modeling Hydrothermal Processes at Oceanic Spreading Centers
Part 178 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Magma to Microbe
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 178.
Hydrothermal systems at oceanic spreading centers reflect the complex interactions among transport, cooling and crystallization of magma, fluid circulation in the crust, tectonic processes, water-rock interaction, and the utilization of hydrothermal fluids as a metabolic energy source by microbial and macro-biological ecosystems. The development of mathematical and numerical models that address these complex linkages is a fundamental part the RIDGE 2000 program that attempts to quantify and model the transfer of heat and chemicals from "mantle to microbes" at oceanic ridges.
This volume presents the first "state of the art" picture of model development in this context. The most outstanding feature of this volume is its emphasis on mathematical and numerical modeling of a broad array of hydrothermal processes associated with oceanic spreading centers. By examining the state of model development in one volume, both cross-fertilization of ideas and integration across the disparate disciplines that study seafloor hydrothermal systems is facilitated.
Students and scientists with an interest in oceanic spreading centers in general and more specifically in ridge hydrothermal processes will find this volume to be an up-to-date and indispensable resource.
Active Tectonics and Seismic Potential of Alaska
Part 179 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 179.
This multidisciplinary monograph provides the first modern integrative summary focused on the most spectacular active tectonic systems in North America.
Encompassing seismology, tectonics, geology, and geodesy, it includes papers that summarize the state of knowledge, including background material for those unfamiliar with the region, address global hypotheses using data from Alaska, and test important global hypotheses using data from this region.
It is organized around four major themes:
• subduction and great earthquakes at the Aleutian Arc,
• the transition from strike slip to accretion and subduction of the Yakutat microplate,
• the Denali fault and related structures and their role in accommodating permanent deformation of the overriding plate, and
• regional integration and large-scale models and the use of data from Alaska to address important global questions and hypotheses.
The book's publication near the beginning of the National Science Foundation's EarthScope project makes it especially timely because Alaska is perhaps the least understood area within the EarthScope footprint, and interest in the region can be expected to rise with time as more EarthScope data become available.
The Stromboli Volcano
An Integrated Study of the 2002 - 2003 Eruption
Part 182 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 182.
This book presents a study of the "eruptive crisis" that took place at the Stromboli volcano from December 2002 to July 2003. It features an integrative approach to the monitoring of eruptive activity, including lava flow output, explosive activity, flank instability, submarine and subaerial landslides, tsunami, paroxysmal explosive events, and mitigation strategies.
The book comes with a DVD with spectacular photos and video of
• The landslide and the tsunami that hit the coast of the island;
• The 5 April 2003 paroxysmal event;
• The whole eruption showing the stages of effusive activity and growth of the lava flow field;
• Selected data useful for testing geochemical, petrological, seismological, thermal, and ground deformation models.
This multidisciplinary and multimedia experience, unique for the amount, quality, and variety of data it covers, can be applied to other active volcanoes. Stromboli will appeal to solid Earth scientists and students working in seismology, geodynamics, geochemistry, and mineral physics, as well as non specialists with an interest in the inner workings of our planet and others.
Carbon Sequestration and Its Role in the Global Carbon Cycle
Part 183 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 183.
For carbon sequestration the issues of monitoring, risk assessment, and verification of carbon content and storage efficacy are perhaps the most uncertain. Yet these issues are also the most critical challenges facing the broader context of carbon sequestration as a means for addressing climate change. In response to these challenges, Carbon Sequestration and Its Role in the Global Carbon Cycle presents current perspectives and research that combine five major areas:
• The global carbon cycle and verification and assessment of global carbon sources and sinks
• Potential capacity and temporal/spatial scales of terrestrial, oceanic, and geologic carbon storage
• Assessing risks and benefits associated with terrestrial, oceanic, and geologic carbon storage
• Predicting, monitoring, and verifying effectiveness of different forms of carbon storage
• Suggested new CO2 sequestration research and management paradigms for the future.
The volume is based on a Chapman Conference and will appeal to the rapidly growing group of scientists and engineers examining methods for deliberate carbon sequestration through storage in plants, soils, the oceans, and geological repositories.
Amazonia and Global Change
Part 186 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 186.
Amazonia and Global Change synthesizes results of the Large-Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (LBA) for scientists and students of Earth system science and global environmental change. LBA, led by Brazil, asks how Amazonia currently functions in the global climate and biogeochemical systems and how the functioning of Amazonia will respond to the combined pressures of climate and land use change, such as
• Wet season and dry season aerosol concentrations and their effects on diffuse radiation and photosynthesis
• Increasing greenhouse gas concentration, deforestation, widespread biomass burning and changes in the Amazonian water cycle
• Drought effects and simulated drought through rainfall exclusion experiments
• The net flux of carbon between Amazonia and the atmosphere
• Floodplains as an important regulator of the basin carbon balance including serving as a major source of methane to the troposphere
• The impact of the likely increased profitability of cattle ranching.
The book will serve a broad community of scientists and policy makers interested in global change and environmental issues with high-quality scientific syntheses accessible to nonspecialists in a wide community of social scientists, ecologists, atmospheric chemists, climatologists, and hydrologists.
Surface Ocean
Lower Atmosphere Processes
Part 187 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 187.
The focus of Surface Ocean: Lower Atmosphere Processes is biogeochemical interactions between the surface ocean and the lower atmosphere. This volume is an outgrowth of the Surface Ocean-Lower Atmosphere Study (SOLAS) Summer School. The volume is designed to provide graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers from a wide range of academic backgrounds with a basis for understanding the nature of ocean-atmosphere interactions and the current research issues in this area.
The volume highlights include the following:
• Background material on ocean and atmosphere structure, circulation, and chemistry and on marine ecosystems
• Integrative chapters on the global carbon cycle and ocean biogeochemistry
• Issue-oriented chapters on the iron cycle and dimethylsulfide
• Tool-oriented chapters on biogeochemical modeling and remote sensing
• A framework of underlying physical/chemical/biological principles, as well as perspectives on current research issues in the field.
The readership for this book will include graduate students and/or advanced undergraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and researchers in the fields of oceanography and atmospheric science. It will also be useful for experienced researchers in specific other disciplines who wish to broaden their perspectives on the complex biogeochemical coupling between ocean and atmosphere and the importance of this coupling to understanding global change.
Diversity of Hydrothermal Systems on Slow Spreading Ocean Ridges
Part 188 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 188.
Diversity of Hydrothermal Systems on Slow Spreading Ocean Ridges presents a multidisciplinary overview of the remarkable emerging diversity of hydrothermal systems on slow spreading ocean ridges in the Atlantic, Indian, and Arctic oceans. When hydrothermal systems were first found on the East Pacific Rise and other Pacific Ocean ridges beginning in the late 1970s, the community consensus held that the magma delivery rate of intermediate to fast spreading was necessary to support black smoker-type high-temperature systems and associated chemosynthetic ecosystems and polymetallic sulfide deposits. Contrary to that consensus, hydrothermal systems not only occur on slow spreading ocean ridges but, as reported in this volume, are generally larger, exhibit different chemosynthetic ecosystems, produce larger mineral deposits, and occur in a much greater diversity of geologic settings than those systems in the Pacific. The full diversity of hydrothermal systems on slow spreading ocean ridges, reflected in the contributions to this volume, is only now emerging and opens an exciting new frontier for ocean ridge exploration, including
• Processes of heat and chemical transfer from the Earth's mantle and crust via slow spreading ocean ridges to the oceans
• The major role of detachment faulting linking crust and mantle in hydrothermal circulation
• Chemical reaction products of mantle involvement including serpentinization, natural hydrogen, abiotic methane, and hydrocarbon synthesis
• Generation of large polymetallic sulfide deposits hosted in ocean crust and mantle
• Chemosynthetic vent communities hosted in the diverse settings
The readership for this volume will include schools, universities, government laboratories, and scientific societies in developed and developing nations, including over 150 nations that have ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The Stratosphere
Dynamics, Transport, and Chemistry
Part 190 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 190.
The Stratosphere: Dynamics, Transport, and Chemistry is the first volume in 20 years that offers a comprehensive review of the Earth's stratosphere, increasingly recognized as an important component of the climate system. The volume addresses key advances in our understanding of the stratospheric circulation and transport and summarizes the last two decades of research to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of the state of the field.
This monograph reviews many important aspects of the dynamics, transport, and chemistry of the stratosphere by some of the world's leading experts, including up-to-date discussions of
• Dynamics of stratospheric polar vortices
• Chemistry and dynamics of the ozone hole
• Role of solar variability in the stratosphere
• Effect of gravity waves in the stratosphere
• Importance of atmospheric annular modes
This volume will be of interest to graduate students and scientists who wish to learn more about the stratosphere. It will also be useful to atmospheric science departments as a textbook for classes on the stratosphere.
Rainfall
State of the Science
Part 191 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 191.
Rainfall: State of the Science offers the most up-to-date knowledge on the fundamental and practical aspects of rainfall. Each chapter, self-contained and written by prominent scientists in their respective fields, provides three forms of information: fundamental principles, detailed overview of current knowledge and description of existing methods, and emerging techniques and future research directions.
The book discusses
• Rainfall microphysics: raindrop morphodynamics, interactions, size distribution, and evolution
• Rainfall measurement and estimation: ground-based direct measurement (disdrometer and rain gauge), weather radar rainfall estimation, polarimetric radar rainfall estimation, and satellite rainfall estimation
• Statistical analyses: intensity-duration-frequency curves, frequency analysis of extreme events, spatial analyses, simulation and disaggregation, ensemble approach for radar rainfall uncertainty, and uncertainty analysis of satellite rainfall products
The book is tailored to be an indispensable reference for researchers, practitioners, and graduate students who study any aspect of rainfall or utilize rainfall information in various science and engineering disciplines.
Abrupt Climate Change
Mechanisms, Patterns, and Impacts
Part 193 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 193.
Abrupt Climate Change: Mechanisms, Patterns, and Impacts brings together a diverse group of paleoproxy records such as ice cores, marine sediments, terrestrial (lakes and speleothems) archives, and coupled ocean-atmosphere climate models to document recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of abrupt climate changes. Since the discovery of the Dansgaard-Oeschger events in Greenland ice cores and the subsequent discovery of their contemporary events in the marine sediments of the North Atlantic, the search for these abrupt, millennial-scale events across the globe has intensified, and as a result, the number of paleoclimatic records chronicling such events has increased. The volume highlights include discussions of records of past climate variability, meridional overturning circulation, land-ocean-atmosphere interactions, feedbacks in the climate system, and global temperature anomalies. Abrupt Climate Change will be of interest to students, researchers, academics, and policy makers who are concerned about abrupt climate change and its potential impact on society.
Stream Restoration in Dynamic Fluvial Systems
Scientific Approaches, Analyses, and Tools
Part 194 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 194.
Stream Restoration in Dynamic Fluvial Systems: Scientific Approaches, Analyses, and Tools brings together leading contributors in stream restoration science to provide comprehensive consideration of process-based approaches, tools, and applications of techniques useful for the implementation of sustainable restoration strategies. Stream restoration is a catchall term for modifications to streams and adjacent riparian zones undertaken to improve geomorphic and/or ecologic function, structure, and integrity of river corridors, and it has become a multibillion dollar industry. A vigorous debate currently exists in research and professional communities regarding the approaches, applications, and tools most effective in designing, implementing, and assessing stream restoration strategies given a multitude of goals, objectives, stakeholders, and boundary conditions. More importantly, stream restoration as a research-oriented academic discipline is, at present, lagging stream restoration as a rapidly evolving, practitioner-centric endeavor. The volume addresses these main areas: concepts in stream restoration, river mechanics and the use of hydraulic structures, modeling in restoration design, ecology, ecologic indices, and habitat, geomorphic approaches to stream and watershed management, and sediment considerations in stream restoration. Stream Restoration in Dynamic Fluvial Systems will appeal to scholars, professionals, and government agency and institute researchers involved in examining river flow processes, river channel changes and improvements, watershed processes, and landscape systematics.
Monitoring and Modeling the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
A Record Breaking Enterprise
Part 195 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 195.
Monitoring and Modeling the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: A Record-Breaking Enterprise presents an overview of some of the significant work that was conducted in immediate response to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. It includes studies of in situ and remotely sensed observations and laboratory and numerical model studies on the four-dimensional oceanographic conditions in the gulf and their influence on the distribution and fate of the discharged oil. Highlights of the book include discussions of the following: immediate responses to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill using Integrated Ocean Observing System resources; monitoring the surface and subsurface oil using satellites, aircraft, vessels, and AUVs; mapping the oceanographic conditions using satellites, aircraft, vessels, drifters, and moorings; modeling the spreading of surface oil trajectories and the three-dimensional dispersal of subsurface hydrocarbon plumes; oil spill risk analyses and statistical studies on the fate of the oil; and laboratory investigation of ocean stratification related to subsurface plumes. This book will be of value to scientists interested in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, the Gulf of Mexico, and the potential for conveyance of oil spilled in the Gulf of Mexico to the North Atlantic. A more technical audience may include those interested in oil spill detection, trajectory model forecasting, and risk analyses and those with an interest in applied oceanography, including scientists, engineers, environmentalists, natural and living marine resource managers and students within academic institutions, agencies, and industries who are involved with the Gulf of Mexico and other regions with offshore oil and gas exploration and production.
Extreme Events and Natural Hazards
The Complexity Perspective
Part 196 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 196.
Extreme Events and Natural Hazards: The Complexity Perspective examines recent developments in complexity science that provide a new approach to understanding extreme events. This understanding is critical to the development of strategies for the prediction of natural hazards and mitigation of their adverse consequences. The volume is a comprehensive collection of current developments in the understanding of extreme events. The following critical areas are highlighted: understanding extreme events, natural hazard prediction and development of mitigation strategies, recent developments in complexity science, global change and how it relates to extreme events, and policy sciences and perspective. With its overarching theme, Extreme Events and Natural Hazards will be of interest and relevance to scientists interested in nonlinear geophysics, natural hazards, atmospheric science, hydrology, oceanography, tectonics, and space weather.
Auroral Phenomenology and Magnetospheric Processes
Earth and Other Planets
Part 197 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 197.
Many of the most basic aspects of the aurora remain unexplained. While in the past terrestrial and planetary auroras have been largely treated in separate books, Auroral Phenomenology and Magnetospheric Processes: Earth and Other Planets takes a holistic approach, treating the aurora as a fundamental process and discussing the phenomenology, physics, and relationship with the respective planetary magnetospheres in one volume. While there are some behaviors common in auroras of the different planets, there are also striking differences that test our basic understanding of auroral processes. The objective, upon which this monograph is focused, is to connect our knowledge of auroral morphology to the physical processes in the magnetosphere that power and structure discrete and diffuse auroras. Understanding this connection will result in a more complete explanation of the aurora and also further the goal of being able to interpret the global auroral distributions as a dynamic map of the magnetosphere. The volume synthesizes five major areas: auroral phenomenology, aurora and ionospheric electrodynamics, discrete auroral acceleration, aurora and magnetospheric dynamics, and comparative planetary aurora. Covering the recent advances in observations, simulation, and theory, this book will serve a broad community of scientists, including graduate students, studying auroras at Mars, Earth, Saturn, and Jupiter. Projected beyond our solar system, it may also be of interest for astronomers who are looking for aurora-active exoplanets.
Lagrangian Modeling of the Atmosphere
Part 200 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 200.
Trajectory-based ("Lagrangian") atmospheric transport and dispersion modeling has gained in popularity and sophistication over the previous several decades. It is common practice now for researchers around the world to apply Lagrangian models to a wide spectrum of issues.
Lagrangian Modeling of the Atmosphere is a comprehensive volume that includes sections on Lagrangian modeling theory, model applications, and tests against observations.
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series.
• Comprehensive coverage of trajectory-based atmospheric dispersion modeling
• Important overview of a widely used modeling tool
• Sections look at modeling theory, application of models, and tests against observations
Modeling the Ionosphere-Thermosphere
Part 201 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 201.
Modeling the Ionosphere-Thermosphere System brings together for the first time a detailed description of the physics of the IT system in conjunction with numerical techniques to solve the complex system of equations that describe the system, as well as issues of current interest. Volume highlights include discussions of:
• Physics of the ionosphere and thermosphere IT system, and the numerical methods to solve the basic equations of the IT system
• The physics and numerical methods to determine the global electrodynamics of the IT system
• The response of the IT system to forcings from below (i.e., the lower atmosphere) and from above (i.e., the magnetosphere)
• The physics and numerical methods to model ionospheric irregularities
• Data assimilation techniques, comparison of model results to data, climate variability studies, and applications to space weather
Providing a clear description of the physics of this system in several tutorial-like articles, Modeling the Ionosphere-Thermosphere System is of value to the upper atmosphere science community in general. Chapters describing details of the numerical methods used to solve the equations that describe the IT system make the volume useful to both active researchers in the field and students.
Future Earth
Advancing Civic Understanding of the Anthropocene
Part 203 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Earth now is dominated by both biogeophysical and anthropogenic processes, as represented in these two images from a simulation of aerosols. Dust (red) from the Sahara sweeps west across the Atlantic Ocean. Sea salt (blue) rises into the atmosphere from winds over the North Atlantic and from a tropical cyclone in the Indian Ocean. Organic and black carbon (green) from biomass burning is notable over the Amazon and Southeast Asia. Plumes of sulfate (white) from fossil fuel burning are particularly prominent over northeastern North America and East Asia. If present trends of dust emissions and fossil fuel burning continues in what we call the Anthropocene epoch, then we could experience high atmospheric CO2 levels leading to unusual warming rarely experienced in Earth's history. This book focuses on human influences on land, ocean, and the atmosphere, to determine if human activities are operating within or beyond the safe zones of our planet's biological, chemical, and physical systems.
Volume highlights include:
• Assessment of civic understanding of Earth and its future
• Understanding the role of undergraduate geoscience research and community-driven research on the Anthropocene
• Effective communication of science to a broader audience that would include the public, the K-12 science community, or populations underrepresented in the sciences
• Public outreach on climate education, geoscience alliance, and scientific reasoning
Future Earth is a valuable practical guide for scientists from all disciplines including geoscientists, museum curators, science educators, and public policy makers.
The Galapagos
A Natural Laboratory for the Earth Sciences
Part 204 of the Geophysical Monograph series
The Galápagos Islands are renown for their unique flora and fauna, inspiring Charles Darwin in the elaboration of his theory of evolution. Yet in his Voyage of the Beagle, published in 1839, Darwin also remarked on the fascinating geology and volcanic origin of these enchanted Islands. Since then, the Galápagos continue to provide scientists with inspiration and invaluable information about ocean island formation and evolution, mantle plumes, and the deep Earth.
Motivated by an interdisciplinary Chapman Conference held in the Islands, this AGU volume provides cross-disciplinary collection of recent research into the origin and nature of ocean islands, from their deepest roots in Earth's mantle, to volcanism, surface processes, and the interface between geology and biodiversity.
Volume highlights include:
• Case studies in biogeographical, hydrological, and chronological perspective
• Understanding the connection between geological processes and biodiversity
• Synthesis of decades of interdisciplinary research in physical processes from surface to deep interior of the earth
• In-depth discussion of the concept of the island acting as a natural laboratory for earth scientists
• Integrated understanding of the Galápagos region from a geological perspective
Collectively, The Galápagos presents case studies illustrating the Galápagos Archipelago as a dynamic natural laboratory for the earth sciences. This book would be of special interest to a multidisciplinary audience in earth sciences, including petrologists, volcanologists, geochronologists, geochemists, and geobiologists.
Modeling Atmospheric and Oceanic Flows
Insights from Laboratory Experiments and Numerical Simulations
Part 205 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Modeling Atmospheric and Oceanic Flows: Insights from Laboratory Experiments and Numerical Simulations provides a broad overview of recent progress in using laboratory experiments and numerical simulations to model atmospheric and oceanic fluid motions. This volume not only surveys novel research topics in laboratory experimentation, but also highlights recent developments in the corresponding computational simulations. As computing power grows exponentially and better numerical codes are developed, the interplay between numerical simulations and laboratory experiments is gaining paramount importance within the scientific community. The lessons learnt from the laboratory—model comparisons in this volume will act as a source of inspiration for the next generation of experiments and simulations. Volume highlights include:
• Topics pertaining to atmospheric science, climate physics, physical oceanography, marine geology and geophysics
• Overview of the most advanced experimental and computational research in geophysics
• Recent developments in numerical simulations of atmospheric and oceanic fluid motion
• Unique comparative analysis of the experimental and numerical approaches to modeling fluid flow
Modeling Atmospheric and Oceanic Flows will be a valuable resource for graduate students, researchers, and professionals in the fields of geophysics, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, climate science, hydrology, and experimental geosciences.
Magnetotails in the Solar System
Part 207 of the Geophysical Monograph series
All magnetized planets in our solar system (Mercury, Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) interact strongly with the solar wind and possess well developed magnetotails. It is not only the strongly magnetized planets that have magnetotails. Mars and Venus have no global intrinsic magnetic field, yet they possess induced magnetotails. Comets have magnetotails that are formed by the draping of the interplanetary magnetic field. In the case of planetary satellites (moons), the magnetotail refers to the wake region behind the satellite in the flow of either the solar wind or the magnetosphere of its parent planet. The largest magnetotail of all in our solar system is the heliotail, the "magnetotail" of the heliosphere. The variety of solar wind conditions, planetary rotation rates, ionospheric conductivity, and physical dimensions provide an outstanding opportunity to extend our understanding of the influence of these factors on magnetotail processes and structures.
Volume highlights include:
• Discussion on why a magnetotail is a fundamental problem of magnetospheric physics
• Unique collection of tutorials on a large range of magnetotails in our solar system
• In-depth reviews comparing magnetotail processes at Earth with other magnetotail structures found throughout the heliosphere
Collectively, Magnetotails in the Solar System brings together for the first time in one book a collection of tutorials and current developments addressing different types of magnetotails. As a result, this book should appeal to a broad community of space scientists, and it should also be of interest to astronomers who are looking at tail-like structures beyond our solar system.
Fluid Dynamics in Complex Fractured-Porous Systems
Part 210 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Despite of many years of studies, predicting fluid flow, heat, and chemical transport in fractured-porous media remains a challenge for scientists and engineers worldwide. This monograph is the third in a series on the dynamics of fluids and transport in fractured rock published by the American Geophysical Union (Geophysical Monograph Series, Vol. 162, 2005; and Geophysical Monograph, No. 122, 2000). This monograph is dedicated to the late Dr. Paul Witherspoon for his seminal influence on the development of ideas and methodologies and the birth of contemporary fractured rock hydrogeology, including such fundamental and applied problems as environmental remediation; exploitation of oil, gas, and geothermal resources; disposal of spent nuclear fuel; and geotechnical engineering.
This monograph addresses fundamental and applied scientific questions and is intended to assist scientists and practitioners bridge gaps in the current scientific knowledge in the areas of theoretical fluids dynamics, field measurements, and experiments for different practical applications. Readers of this book will include researchers, engineers, and professionals within academia, Federal agencies, and industry, as well as graduate/undergraduate students involved in theoretical, experimental, and numerical modeling studies of fluid dynamics and reactive chemical transport in the unsaturated and saturated zones, including studies pertaining to petroleum and geothermal reservoirs, environmental management and remediation, mining, gas storage, and radioactive waste isolation in underground repositories.
Volume highlights include discussions of the following:
• Fundamentals of using a complex systems approach to describe flow and transport in fractured-porous media.
• Methods of Field Measurements and Experiments
• Collective behavior and emergent properties of complex fractured rock systems
• Connection to the surrounding environment
• Multi-disciplinary research for different applications
Subduction Dynamics
From Mantle Flow to Mega Disasters
Part 211 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Subduction dynamics has been actively studied through seismology, mineral physics, and laboratory and numerical experiments. Understanding the dynamics of the subducting slab is critical to a better understanding of the primary societally relevant natural hazards emerging from our planetary interior, the megathrust earthquakes and consequent tsunamis.
Subduction Dynamics is the result of a meeting that was held between August 19 and 22, 2012 on Jeju island, South Korea, where about fifty researchers from East Asia, North America and Europe met. Chapters treat diverse topics ranging from the response of the ionosphere to earthquake and tsunamis, to the origin of mid-continental volcanism thousands kilometers distant from the subduction zone, from the mysterious deep earthquakes triggered in the interior of the descending slabs, to the detailed pattern of accretionary wedges in convergent zones, from the induced mantle flow in the deep mantle, to the nature of the paradigms of earthquake occurrence, showing that all of them ultimately are due to the subduction process.
Volume highlights include:
• Multidisciplinary research involving geology, mineral physics, geophysics and geodynamics
• Extremely large-scale numerical models with sliate-of-the art high performance computing facilities
• Overview of exceptional three-dimensional dynamic representation of the evolution of the Earth interiors and of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami dynamics
• Global risk assessment strategies in predicting natural disasters
This volume is a valuable contribution in earth and environmental sciences that will assist with understanding the mechanisms behind plate tectonics and predicting and mitigating future natural hazards like earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis.
The Early Earth
Accretion and Differentiation
Part 212 of the Geophysical Monograph series
The Early Earth: Accretion and Differentiation provides a multidisciplinary overview of the state of the art in understanding the formation and primordial evolution of the Earth. The fundamental structure of the Earth as we know it today was inherited from the initial conditions 4.56 billion years ago as a consequence of planetesimal accretion, large impacts among planetary objects, and planetary-scale differentiation. The evolution of the Earth from a molten ball of metal and magma to the tectonically active, dynamic, habitable planet that we know today is unique among the terrestrial planets, and understanding the earliest processes that led to Earth's current state is the essence of this volume. Important results have emerged from a wide range of disciplines including cosmochemistry, geochemistry, experimental petrology, experimental and theoretical mineral physics and geodynamics.
The topics in this volume include:
• Condensation of primitive objects in the solar nebula, planetary building blocks
• Early and late accretion and planetary dynamic modeling
• Primordial differentiation, core formation, Magma Ocean evolution and crystallization
This volume will be a valuable resource for graduate students, academics, and researchers in the fields of geophysics, geochemistry, cosmochemistry, and planetary science.
Global Vegetation Dynamics
Concepts and Applications in the MC1 Model
Part 213 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Global Vegetation Dynamics: Concepts and Applications in MC1 model describes the creation in the mid 1990s, architecture, uses, and limitations of the MC1 dynamic global vegetation model (DGVM) that is being used by an increasing number of research groups around the world. The scientific foundation of most models is often poorly documented and difficult to access, and a centralized source of information for MC1, including the complete list of over eighty papers and reports with MC1 results will be useful to scientists and users who want to better understand the model and the output it generates.
Global Vegetation Dynamics: Concepts and Applications in MC1 model will be a valuable resource for students and researchers in the fields of climate change science, conservation science, biogeochemistry and ecology, as well as for land managers looking for a better understanding of the projections of climate change impacts and of the tools that have been developed to produce them.
Extreme Events
Observations, Modeling, and Economics
Part 214 of the Geophysical Monograph series
The monograph covers the fundamentals and the consequences of extreme geophysical phenomena like asteroid impacts, climatic change, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, flooding, and space weather. This monograph also addresses their associated, local and worldwide socio-economic impacts. The understanding and modeling of these phenomena is critical to the development of timely worldwide strategies for the prediction of natural and anthropogenic extreme events, in order to mitigate their adverse consequences.
This monograph is unique in as much as it is dedicated to recent theoretical, numerical and empirical developments that aim to improve:
(i) the understanding, modeling and prediction of extreme events in the geosciences, and, (ii) the quantitative evaluation of their economic consequences. The emphasis is on coupled, integrative assessment of the physical phenomena and their socio-economic impacts.
With its overarching theme, Extreme Events: Observations, Modeling and Economics will be relevant to and become an important tool for researchers and practitioners in the fields of hazard and risk analysis in general, as well as to those with a special interest in climate change, atmospheric and oceanic sciences, seismo-tectonics, hydrology, and space weather.
Auroral Dynamics and Space Weather
Part 215 of the Geophysical Monograph series
The aurora is the most visible manifestation of the connection of the Earth to the space environment and has inspired awe, curiosity, and scientific inquiry for centuries. Recent advances in observing techniques and modeling and theoretical work have revealed new auroral phenomena, provided a better understanding of auroral dynamics, and have led to an enhanced capability for auroral forecasts.
This monograph features discussions of:
• New auroral phenomena due to the ring current ion and polar rain electron precipitation
• Various auroral forms and hemispheric asymmetry
• Auroral model development and MHD simulations
• Application of the auroral observations for radio absorption and scintillation
• Aurora nowcast and forecast for space weather operations
Auroral Dynamics and Space Weather is a valuable contribution for scientists, researchers, space weather operators, and students of Earth's space environment.
Deep Earth
Physics and Chemistry of the Lower Mantle and Core
Part 217 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Deep Earth: Physics and Chemistry of the Lower Mantle and Core highlights recent advances and the latest views of the deep Earth from theoretical, experimental, and observational approaches and offers insight into future research directions on the deep Earth. In recent years, we have just reached a stage where we can perform measurements at the conditions of the center part of the Earth using state-of-the-art techniques, and many reports on the physical and chemical properties of the deep Earth have come out very recently. Novel theoretical models have been complementary to this breakthrough. These new inputs enable us to compare directly with results of precise geophysical and geochemical observations. This volume highlights the recent significant advancements in our understanding of the deep Earth that have occurred as a result, including contributions from mineral/rock physics, geophysics, and geochemistry that relate to the topics of:
I. Thermal structure of the lower mantle and core
II. Structure, anisotropy, and plasticity of deep Earth materials
III. Physical properties of the deep interior
IV. Chemistry and phase relations in the lower mantle and core
V. Volatiles in the deep Earth
The volume will be a valuable resource for researchers and students who study the Earth's interior. The topics of this volume are multidisciplinary, and therefore will be useful to students from a wide variety of fields in the Earth Sciences.
Integrated Imaging of the Earth
Theory and Applications
Part 218 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Reliable and detailed information about the Earth's subsurface is of crucial importance throughout the geosciences. Quantitative integration of all available geophysical and geological data helps to make Earth models more robust and reliable. The aim of this book is to summarize and synthesize the growing literature on combining various types of geophysical and other geoscientific data. The approaches that have been developed to date encompass joint inversion, cooperative inversion, and statistical post-inversion analysis methods, each with different benefits and assumptions.
Starting with the foundations of inverse theory, this book systematically describes the mathematical and theoretical aspects of how to best integrate different geophysical datasets with geological prior understanding and other complimentary data. This foundational basis is followed by chapters that demonstrate the diverse range of applications for which integrated methods have been used to date. These range from imaging the hydrogeological properties of the near-surface to natural resource exploration and probing the composition of the lithosphere and the deep Earth. Each chapter is written by leading experts in the field, which makes this book the definitive reference on integrated imaging of the Earth.
Highlights of this volume include:
• Complete coverage of the theoretical foundations of integrated imaging approaches from inverse theory to different coupling methods and quantitative evaluation of the resulting models
• Comprehensive overview of current applications of integrated imaging including hydrological investigations, natural resource exploration, and imaging the deep Earth
• Detailed case studies of integrated approaches providing valuable guidance for both experienced users and researchers new to joint inversion.
This volume will be a valuable resource for graduate students, academics, industry practitioners, and researchers who are interested in using or developing integrated imaging approaches.
Terrestrial Water Cycle and Climate Change
Natural and Human-Induced Impacts
Part 221 of the Geophysical Monograph series
The Terrestrial Water Cycle: Natural and Human-Induced Changes is a comprehensive volume that investigates the changes in the terrestrial water cycle and the natural and anthropogenic factors that cause these changes. This volume brings together recent progress and achievements in large-scale hydrological observations and numerical simulations, specifically in areas such as in situ measurement network, satellite remote sensing and hydrological modeling. Our goal is to extend and deepen our understanding of the changes in the terrestrial water cycle and to shed light on the mechanisms of the changes and their consequences in water resources and human well-being in the context of global change.
Volume highlights include:
• Overview of the changes in the terrestrial water cycle
• Human alterations of the terrestrial water cycle
• Recent advances in hydrological measurement and observation
• Integrated modeling of the terrestrial water cycle
The Terrestrial Water Cycle: Natural and Human-Induced Changes will be a valuable resource for students and professionals in the fields of hydrology, water resources, climate change, ecology, geophysics, and geographic sciences. The book will also be attractive to those who have general interests in the terrestrial water cycle, including how and why the cycle changes.
Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling in the Solar System
Part 222 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Over a half century of exploration of the Earth's space environment, it has become evident that the interaction between the ionosphere and the magnetosphere plays a dominant role in the evolution and dynamics of magnetospheric plasmas and fields. Interestingly, it was recently discovered that this same interaction is of fundamental importance at other planets and moons throughout the solar system. Based on papers presented at an interdisciplinary AGU Chapman Conference at Yosemite National Park in February 2014, this volume provides an intellectual and visual journey through our exploration and discovery of the paradigm-changing role that the ionosphere plays in determining the filling and dynamics of Earth and planetary environments. The 2014 Chapman conference marks the 40th anniversary of the initial magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling conference at Yosemite in 1974, and thus gives a four decade perspective of the progress of space science research in understanding these fundamental coupling processes. Digital video links to an online archive containing both the 1974 and 2014 meetings are presented throughout this volume for use as an historical resource by the international heliophysics and planetary science communities.
Topics covered in this volume include:
• Ionosphere as a source of magnetospheric plasma
• Effects of the low energy ionospheric plasma on the stability and creation of the more energetic plasmas
• The unified global modeling of the ionosphere and magnetosphere at the Earth and other planets
• New knowledge of these coupled interactions for heliophysicists and planetary scientists, with a cross-disciplinary approach involving advanced measurement and modeling techniques
Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling in the Solar System is a valuable resource for researchers in the fields of space and planetary science, atmospheric science, space physics, astronomy, and geophysics.
Natural Hazard Uncertainty Assessment
Modeling and Decision Support
Part 223 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Uncertainties are pervasive in natural hazards, and it is crucial to develop robust and meaningful approaches to characterize and communicate uncertainties to inform modeling efforts. In this monograph we provide a broad, cross-disciplinary overview of issues relating to uncertainties faced in natural hazard and risk assessment. We introduce some basic tenets of uncertainty analysis, discuss issues related to communication and decision support, and offer numerous examples of analyses and modeling approaches that vary by context and scope. Contributors include scientists from across the full breath of the natural hazard scientific community, from those in real-time analysis of natural hazards to those in the research community from academia and government. Key themes and highlights include:
• Substantial breadth and depth of analysis in terms of the types of natural hazards addressed, the disciplinary perspectives represented, and the number of studies included
• Targeted, application-centered analyses with a focus on development and use of modeling techniques to address various sources of uncertainty
• Emphasis on the impacts of climate change on natural hazard processes and outcomes
• Recommendations for cross-disciplinary and science transfer across natural hazard sciences
This volume will be an excellent resource for those interested in the current work on uncertainty classification/quantification and will document common and emergent research themes to allow all to learn from each other and build a more connected but still diverse and ever growing community of scientists.
Hydrodynamics of Time-Periodic Groundwater Flow
Diffusion Waves in Porous Media
Part 224 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Hydrodynamics of Time-Periodic Groundwater Flow introduces the emerging topic of periodic fluctuations in groundwater. While classical hydrology has often focused on steady flow conditions, many systems display periodic behavior due to tidal, seasonal, annual, and human influences. Describing and quantifying subsurface hydraulic responses to these influences may be challenging to those who are unfamiliar with periodically forced groundwater systems. The goal of this volume is to present a clear and accessible mathematical introduction to the basic and advanced theory of time-periodic groundwater flow, which is essential for developing a comprehensive knowledge of groundwater hydraulics and groundwater hydrology.
Volume highlights include:
• Overview of time-periodic forcing of groundwater systems
• Definition of the Boundary Value Problem for harmonic systems in space and time
• Examples of 1-, 2-, and 3-dimensional flow in various media
• Attenuation, delay, and gradients, stationary points and flow stagnation
• Wave propagation and energy transport
Hydrodynamics of Time-Periodic Groundwater Flow presents numerous examples and exercises to reinforce the essential elements of the theoretical development, and thus is eminently well suited for self-directed study by undergraduate and graduate students. This volume will be a valuable resource for professionals in Earth and environmental sciences who develop groundwater models., including in the fields of groundwater hydrology, soil physics, hydrogeology, geoscience, geophysics, and geochemistry. Time-periodic phenomena are also encountered in fields other than groundwater flow, such as electronics, heat transport, and chemical diffusion. Thus, students and professionals in the field of chemistry, electronic engineering, and physics will also find this book useful.
Active Global Seismology
Neotectonics and Earthquake Potential of the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Part 225 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Neotectonics involves the study of the motions and deformations of the Earth's crust that are current or recent in geologic time. The Mediterranean region is one of the most important regions for neotectonics and related natural hazards. This volume focuses on the neotectonics of the Eastern Mediterranean region, which has experienced many major extensive earthquakes, including the devastating Izmit, Turkey earthquake on August 17, 1999. The event lasted for 37 seconds, killing around 17,000 people, injuring 44,000 people, and leaving approximately half a million people homeless. Since then, several North American, European, and Turkish research groups have studied the neotectonics and earthquake potential of the region using different geological and geophysical methods, including GPS studies, geodesy, and passive source seismology. Some results from their studies were presented in major North American and European geological meetings.
This volume highlights the work involving the Eastern Mediterranean region, which has one of the world's longest and best studied active strike-slip (horizontal motion) faults: the east-west trending North Anatolian fault zone, which is very similar to the San Andreas fault in California. This volume features discussions of:
• Widespread applications in measuring plate motion that have strong implications in predicting natural disasters like earthquakes, both on a regional and a global scale
• Recent motions, particularly those produced by earthquakes, that provide insights on the physics of earthquake recurrence, the growth of mountains, orogenic movements, and seismic hazards
• Unique methodical approaches in collecting tectonophysical data, including field, seismic, experimental, computer-based, and theoretical approaches.
Active Global Seismology is a valuable resource for geoscientists, particularly in the field of tectonophysics, geophysics, geodynamics, seismology, structural geology, environmental geology, and geoengineering.
Climate Extremes
Patterns and Mechanisms
Part 226 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Although we are seeing more weather and climate extremes, individual extreme events are very diverse and generalization of trends is difficult. For example, mid-latitude and subtropical climate extremes such as heat waves, hurricanes and droughts have increased, and could have been caused by processes including arctic amplification, jet stream meandering, and tropical expansion. This volume documents various climate extreme events and associated changes that have been analyzed through diagnostics, modeling, and statistical approaches. The identification of patterns and mechanisms can aid the prediction of future extreme events.
Volume highlights include:
• Compilation of processes and mechanisms unique to individual weather and climate extreme events
• Discussion of climate model performance in terms of simulating high-impact weather and climate extremes
• Summary of various existing theories, including controversial ones, on how climate extremes will continue to become stronger and more frequent
Climate Extremes: Patterns and Mechanisms is a valuable resource for scientists and graduate students in the fields of geophysics, climate physics, natural hazards, and environmental science.
Fault Zone Dynamic Processes
Evolution of Fault Properties During Seismic Rupture
Part 227 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Earthquakes are some of the most dynamic features of the Earth. This multidisciplinary volume presents an overview of earthquake processes and properties including the physics of dynamic faulting, fault fabric and mechanics, physical and chemical properties of fault zones, dynamic rupture processes, and numerical modeling of fault zones during seismic rupture.
This volume examines questions such as:
• What are the dynamic processes recorded in fault gouge?
• What can we learn about rupture dynamics from laboratory experiments?
• How do on-fault and off-fault properties affect seismic ruptures?
• How do fault zones evolve over time?
Fault Zone Dynamic Processes: Evolution of Fault Properties During Seismic Rupture is a valuable resource for scientists, researchers and students from across the geosciences interested in the earthquakes processes.
Flood Damage Survey and Assessment
New Insights from Research and Practice
Part 228 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Floods can have a devastating impact on life, property and economic resources. However, the systematic collection of damage data in the aftermath of flood events can contribute to future risk mitigation. Such data can support a variety of actions including the identification of priorities for intervention during emergencies, the creation of complete event scenarios to tailor risk mitigation strategies, the definition of victim compensation schemes, and the validation of damage models to feed cost-benefit analysis of mitigation actions.
Volume highlights include:
• Compilation of real world case studies elaborating on the survey experiences and best practices associated with flood damage data collection, storage and analysis, that can help strategize flood risk mitigation in an efficient manner
• Coverage of different flooding phenomena such as riverine and mountain floods, spatial analysis from local to global scales, and stakeholder perspectives, e.g. public decision makers, researchers, private companies
• Contributions from leading experts in the field, researchers and practitioners, including civil protection actors working at different spatial and administrative level, insurers, and professionals working in the field of natural hazard risks mitigation
Flood Damage Survey and Assessment: New Insights from Research and Practice will be a valuable resource for earth scientists, hydrologists, meteorologists, geologists, geographers, civil engineers, insurers, policy makers, and planners.
Water-Energy-Food Nexus
Principles and Practices
Part 229 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Water, energy and food are key resources to sustain life, and are the fundamental to national, regional and global economies. These three resources are interlinked in multiple ways, and the term "nexus" captures the interconnections. The nexus has been discussed, debated, researched, and advocated widely but the focus is often on the pairings of "water-energy" or "water-food" or "energy-food". To really benefit from the nexus approach in terms of resource use efficiency it is essential to understand, operationalize and practice the nexus of all three resources. As demand for these resources increases worldwide, using them sustainability is a critical concern for scientists and citizens, governments and policy makers.
Volume highlights include:
• Contributions to the global debate on water-energy-food nexus
• Examples of the nexus approach in practice from different regions of the world
• Perspectives on the future of the nexus agenda
Water-Energy-Food Nexus: Theories and Practices is a valuable resource for students, research scholars and professionals in academic institutions with strong interests in interdisciplinary research involving geography, earth science, environmental science, environmental management, sustainability science, international development, and ecological economics. The volume will also be useful for professionals, practitioners and consultants in /NGOs, government, and international agencies.
Dawn-Dusk Asymmetries in Planetary Plasma Environments
Part 230 of the Geophysical Monograph series
DawnDusk Asymmetries in Planetary Plasma Environments
Dawn-dusk asymmetries are ubiquitous features of the plasma environment of many of the planets in our solar system. They occur when a particular process or feature is more pronounced at one side of a planet than the other. For example, recent observations indicate that Earth's magnetopause is thicker at dawn than at dusk. Likewise, auroral breakups at Earth are more likely to occur in the pre-midnight than post-midnight sectors. Increasing availability of remotely sensed and in situ measurements of planetary ionospheres, magnetospheres and their interfaces to the solar wind have revealed significant and persistent dawn-dusk asymmetries. As yet there is no consensus regarding the source of many of these asymmetries, nor the physical mechanisms by which they are produced and maintained.
Volume highlights include:
• A comprehensive and updated overview of current knowledge about dawn-dusk asymmetries in the plasma environments of planets in our solar system and the mechanisms behind them
• Valuable contributions from internationally recognized experts, covering both observations, simulations and theories discussing all important aspects of dawn-dusk asymmetries
• Space weather effects are caused by processes in space, mainly the magnetotail, and can be highly localized on ground. Knowing where the source, i.e., where dawn-dusk location is will allow for a better prediction of where the effects on ground will be most pronounced
Covering both observational and theoretical aspects of dawn dusk asymmetries, Dawn-Dusk Asymmetries in Planetary Plasma Environments will be a valuable resource for academic researchers in space physics, planetary science, astrophysics, physics, geophysics and earth science.
Bioenergy and Land Use Change
Part 231 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Although bioenergy is a renewable energy source, it is not without impact on the environment. Both the cultivation of crops specifically for use as biofuels and the use of agricultural byproducts to generate energy changes the landscape, affects ecosystems, and impacts the climate. Bioenergy and Land Use Change focuses on regional and global assessments of land use change related to bioenergy and the environmental impacts. This interdisciplinary volume provides both high level reviews and in-depth analyses on specific topics.
Volume highlights include:
• Land use change concepts, economics, and modeling
• Relationships between bioenergy and land use change
• Impacts on soil carbon, soil health, water quality, and the hydrologic cycle
• Impacts on natural capital and ecosystem services
• Effects of bioenergy on direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions
• Biogeochemical and biogeophysical climate regulation
• Uncertainties and challenges associated with land use change quantification and environmental impact assessments
Bioenergy and Land Use Change is a valuable resource for professionals, researchers, and graduate students from a wide variety of fields including energy, economics, ecology, geography, agricultural science, geoscience, and environmental science.
Microstructural Geochronology
Planetary Records Down to Atom Scale
Part 232 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Microstructural Geochronology
Geochronology techniques enable the study of geological evolution and environmental change over time. This volume integrates two aspects of geochronology: one based on classical methods of orientation and spatial patterns, and the other on ratios of radioactive isotopes and their decay products.
The chapters illustrate how material science techniques are taking this field to the atomic scale, enabling us to image the chemical and structural record of mineral lattice growth and deformation, and sometimes the patterns of radioactive parent and daughter atoms themselves, to generate a microstructural geochronology from some of the most resilient materials in the solar system.
• First compilation of research focusing on the crystal structure, material properties, and chemical zoning of the geochronology mineral archive down to nanoscale
• Novel comparisons of mineral time archives from different rocky planets and asteroids and their shock metamorphic histories
• Fundamentals on how to reconstruct and date radiogenic isotope distributions using atom probe tomography
Microstructural Geochronology will be a valuable resource for graduate students, academics, and researchers in the fields of petrology, geochronology, mineralogy, geochemistry, planetary geology, astrobiology, chemistry, and material science. It will also appeal to philosophers and historians of science from other disciplines.
Global Flood Hazard
Applications in Modeling, Mapping, and Forecasting
Part 233 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Global Flood Hazard
Selected from more than 500 entries, demonstrating exceptional scholarship and making a significant contribution to the field of study.
Flooding is a costly natural disaster in terms of damage to land, property and infrastructure. This volume describes the latest tools and technologies for modeling, mapping, and predicting large-scale flood risk. It also presents readers with a range of remote sensing data sets successfully used for predicting and mapping floods at different scales. These resources can enable policymakers, public planners, and developers to plan for, and respond to, flooding with greater accuracy and effectiveness.
• Describes the latest large-scale modeling approaches, including hydrological models, 2-D flood inundation models, and global flood forecasting models
• Showcases new tools and technologies such as Aqueduct, a new web-based tool used for global assessment and projection of future flood risk under climate change scenarios
• Features case studies describing best-practice uses of modeling techniques, tools, and technologies
Global Flood Hazard is an indispensable resource for researchers, consultants, practitioners, and policy makers dealing with flood risk, flood disaster response, flood management, and flood mitigation.
Pre-Earthquake Processes
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Earthquake Prediction Studies
Part 234 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Pre-Earthquake signals are advanced warnings of a larger seismic event. A better understanding of these processes can help to predict the characteristics of the subsequent mainshock. Pre-Earthquake Processes: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Earthquake Prediction Studies presents the latest research on earthquake forecasting and prediction based on observations and physical modeling in China, Greece, Italy, France, Japan, Russia, Taiwan, and the United States.
Volume highlights include:
• Describes the earthquake processes and the observed physical signals that precede them
• Explores the relationship between pre-earthquake activity and the characteristics of subsequent seismic events
• Encompasses physical, atmospheric, geochemical, and historical characteristics of pre-earthquakes
• Illustrates thermal infrared, seismo—ionospheric, and other satellite and ground-based pre-earthquake anomalies
• Applies these multidisciplinary data to earthquake forecasting and prediction
Written for seismologists, geophysicists, geochemists, physical scientists, students and others, Pre-Earthquake Processes: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Earthquake Prediction Studies offers an essential resource for understanding the dynamics of pre-earthquake phenomena from an international and multidisciplinary perspective.
Electric Currents in Geospace and Beyond
Part 235 of the Geophysical Monograph series
Electric currents are fundamental to the structure and dynamics of space plasmas, including our own near-Earth space environment, or "geospace."This volume takes an integrated approach to the subject of electric currents by incorporating their phenomenology and physics for many regions in one volume. It covers a broad range of topics from the pioneers of electric currents in outer space, to measurement and analysis techniques, and the many types of electric currents.
• First volume on electric currents in space in over a decade that provides authoritative up-to-date insight on the current status of research
• Reviews recent advances in observations, simulation, and theory of electric currents
• Provides comparative overviews of electric currents in the space environments of different astronomical bodies
Electric Currents in Geospace and Beyond serves as an excellent reference volume for a broad community of space scientists, astronomers, and astrophysicists who are studying space plasmas in the solar system.