Physical Processes in Earth and Environmental Sciences (eBook)

Dr Mike Leeder teaches and researches at the School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, UK. His main research interests are currently in the physics of sediment transport by turbulent flows and in the interactions between Earth surface physical processes and tectonics. He does active field work in Greece and New Mexico, USA. Dr Marta Pérez-Arlucea teaches and researches at the Faculty of Marine Sciences, University of Vigo, Spain. Her main research interests currently include fluvial and coastal sedimentology, the determination of denudation rates, sediment flux, deposition rates and coastal evolution in Galicia (Spain), and the relation between tectonics and sedimentation in the Gulf of Corinth (Greece) and New Mexico, USA.

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

1. Planet Earth and Earth Systems.

1.1 Comparative Planetology.

1.2 Unique Earth.

1.3 Earth Systems Snapshots.

1.4 Measuring Earth.

1.5 Whole Earth.

1.6 Subtle Interactive Earth.

Further reading.

2. Matters of State and Motion.

2.1 Matters of State.

2.2 Thermal Matters.

2.3 Quantity of Matter.

2.4 Matter in General Motion: Kinematics.

2.5 Continuity: Mass Conservation in Fluids.

Further Reading.

3. Forces and Dynamics.

3.1 Quantity of Motion: Momentum.

3.2 Acceleration.

3.3 Force, Work, Energy and Power.

3.4 Thermal Energy and Mechanical Work.

3.5 Hydrostatic Pressure Force.

3.6 Buoyancy Force.

3.7 Radial Force.

3.8 Rotational Force, Vorticity and Coriolis Acceleration.

3.9 Viscosity.

3.10 Viscous Force.

3.11 Turbulent Friction Force.

3.12 Overall Forces of Fluid Motion.

3.13 Solid Stress.

3.14 Solid Strain.

3.15 Rheology.

Further Rading.

4. Flow, Deformation, and Transport.

4.1 The Oigin of large-scale Fuid Fow.

4.2 Fundamental types of Fuid Fow.

4.3 Fluid boundary Layers.

4.4 Laminar Flow.

4.5 Turbulent Flow.

4.6 Stratified Fows.

4.7 Particle Settling.

4.8 Particle Transport by Flows.

4.9 Waves and Liquids.

4.10 Transport by Waves.

4.11 Granular Gravity Flow.

4.12 Turbidity Flow.

4.13 Flow through Porous Solids and Granular Solids.

4.14 Fractures.

4.15 Solid Failure and Faults.

4.16 Solid Bending, Buckling, and Folds.

4.17 Seismic Waves.

4.18 Molecules in Motion: Kinetic Theory, Heat Conduction, and
Diffusion.

4.19 Heat Transport by Radiation.

4.20 Heat Transport by Convection.

Further Reading.

5. Inner Earth Processes and Systems.

5.1 Melting Magmas and Volcanoes.

5.2 Plate Tectonics.

Further Reading.

6. Outer Earth Processes and Systems.

6.1 Atmosphere.

6.2 Atmosphere-ocean Interface.

6.3 Atmosphere-land Interface.

6.4 Deep Ocean.

6.5 Shallow Ocean.

6.6 Ocean-land Interface: Coasts.

6.7 Land surface.

Further Reading.

Appendix: Brief Mathematical Refresher or Study Guide.

Cookies.

Index

"[The book] integrates a large amount of various knowledge, [it]
will be an outstanding reference for students, lecturers, and
researchers ... .Strongly recommended for all geoscientists."
(Zentrallblatt fur Geologie und Palaontologie, 2007)



"Particularly intriguing is this book's refreshing tone.
The fascination and joy that the authors perceive from their
scientific experience and endeavour is being reflected on every
page." (Environmental Geology)

"Physical Processes in Earth and Environmental Sciences
uses a pleasant and transparant format to explain complex processes
in earth-system science. The text reads like a knife cuts through
butter, it contains relevant historical information, anecdotes and
side steps, and it is accompanied by a large number of explanatory
line drawings and photographs." (Journal of Sedimentary
Research)
"[The book] integrates a large amount of various knowledge, [it] will be an outstanding reference for students, lecturers, and researchers ... .Strongly recommended for all geoscientists." (Zentrallblatt fur Geologie und Palaontologie, 2007)