This e-book reviews environmental impacts of ski tourism in mountain environments. Specifically, the book addresses skiing impacts on soils, vegetation, vertebrate and invertebrate animals living in such habitats. Additional chapters also explain the methods for the restoration of disturbed sites at high altitude and snow cover in a changing climate. The e-book is therefore a compilation on the latest knowledge on environmental impacts of skiing and is intended to be a standard reference for ecologists, students and universities, business professionals (ski-resort managers), regional governmental organizations, conservation agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Organic petrology is a discipline of geology which integrates multidisciplinary approaches for the exploration and evaluation of fossil fuel resources by conventional and unconventional procedures. Organic petrology has brought forth new, powerful analytical tools for the characterization of geological hydrocarbon systems, thus providing information where previous analytical techniques prove to be less effective. The reference provides a broad, comprehensive source of information about the application of organic petrology in the investigation of geological formations related with the production and accumulation of oil and gas. Eleven chapters cover a variety of topics (kerogens, dispersed organic matter systems, sedimentary organic matter systems, oil and gas shales, etc.). Additional information in chapters referring to examples in specific geographical locations provides a global perspective of hydrocarbon exploration. The book is an introductory reference for all scholars involved in applied organic petrology of hydrocarbon systems including graduate and undergraduate geology students, engineers and lab technicians. [Series intro] Geology: Current and Future Developments is a book series that brings together the latest contributions to geological research. Each volume features chapters contributed by academic scholars / professional experts from around the world. The scope of the book series includes (but is not limited to) topics such as plate tectonics, climate science, hydrocarbon exploration, mineral exploration, and environmental science. This series is intended as a useful compendium of scholarly reference material for geology students and professionals.

In an era of globalization, where the progressive deterioration of local values is a dominating characteristic, identity is seen as a fundamental need that encompasses all aspects of human life. One of these identities relates to place and the physical environment. Place identity is concerned with a set of ideas about place and identity from the perspective of a wide range of disciplines. Mainly, it refers to the meaning and importance of places for their inhabitants and users. Readers of this e-book will gain an insight on the role of identity as a basis for the perception, experience, and appreciation of the form of built structures. This e-book explains knowledge in relation to place identity, focusing on people's identity, and those factors that play a significant role in this process. Most of all, the book gives further insight about place identity with regard to global and local contexts, and across multifaceted and multicultural societies. The theme is approached from a number of disciplines that include environmental psychology, philosophy, urban sociology, geography, urban planning, urban design, architecture and landscape architecture.

The search for a cause of the global warming phenomenon on our planet has sparked some interest in the scientific community. The connection between changes occurring in the sun and global warming presents one fundamental perspective which has been investigated by a number of scientific research groups. In recent times, there have been some promising results that might help us uncover the clues about such a link. The Sun-Climate Connection over the Last Millennium: facts and questions presents fundamental information about the solar activity, space weather, terrestrial climates and their variations over an extended period of time. The information presented is a set of analyses based on modern methods of statistical analysis of non-stationary time series, including Fourier, wavelet and singular spectral analysis while considering space weather phenomena (solar winds, solar flares, aurora borealis etc.) and other terrestrial manifestations of solar activity. The physical mechanisms potentially linking solar activity and space weather to climate are discussed based on these analyses. The eBook also provides some context of modern millennial temperature reconstructions for explaining global warming in the 20th century. Scenarios of the solar activity and climate evolution throughout the 21st century are considered on the basis of the updated data. The eBook provides useful facts for researchers seeking information on climate and space research with respect to solar phenomena

With the application of the effective stress concept, the strength and volumetric behavior of saturated materials was clearly understood. For the case of unsaturated materials, a universally accepted effective stresses equation is still under debate. However, the use of the effective stress concept to develop constitutive models for unsaturated soils is becoming increasingly popular not only because the hydro-mechanical coupling observed in these materials is implicit in the formulation but also because simpler and more precise models can be established. Towards A Unified Soil Mechanics Theory demonstrates that the same strength and volume change equations used in saturated soil mechanics can be used for the case of unsaturated soils. In other words, the constitutive models developed for saturated soils can be used for unsaturated materials once the effective stress equation has been defined.

In this book, an analytical equation for the effective stress for unsaturated soils is established. This equation requires the knowledge of the superficial area of solids affected by the capillary phenomenon. In other words, we need to know how water distributes in the pores of the soil. This distribution can be modeled using a solid-porous model built on a regular network. However the size of the network required to correctly simulate the structure of a small soil sample cannot be managed with a common PC. For that reason, a probabilistic porous-solid model is developed. This model uses the pore size distribution in the form of a probabilistic function which in addition to the Laplace equation and the principle of continuity can be expressed as the probability of a pore of certain size to be filled or dry at suction during a wetting or drying path, respectively. In this way, the soil-water retention curves can be simulated and the effective stress at any suction during wetting or drying processes can be determined. Based on this approach, it is shown that unsaturated soils behave under the same principles for strength and volumetric behavior as saturated soils.

Towards A Unified Soil Mechanics Theory paves the way for a universal theory of soil mechanics. The volume will be a valuable reference to civil engineers, earth scientists and hydrologists interested in soil mechanics at both academic and professional levels.

Anthropogenic changes in the environment, caused by 250 years of economic growth and utilization of fuel and mineral resources, have considerably impacted the natural environment. The resulting physical and chemical alterations to the Earth's sphere and our adaptive responses in the biosphere are detailed in this reference book. Readers will learn about concepts relevant to Earth's history, the evolution of life, economy, ecology, environmental history, biology, and medicine and how these concepts can be linked to environmental change. The scope of this interdisciplinary work entails to convey the true degree of responsibility for the universal consequences of ecosystem degradation resulting from industrial processing, human consumption and the transformation of natural sites due to industrialization and urbanization. Topics covered in the book include: -Ecosystem transformations by natural and anthropogenic forces -The Anthropocene epoch -A short history of industrialization -Environmental sites and the impact of socio-economic influences -The current environmental crisis, This textbook is intended for graduate students in economics, civil engineering, architecture, agronomics, forestry, technical and mining sciences, political sciences, business studies and humanities. General readers who wish to understand the basic philosophy behind environmental studies and their relation to human activity can also benefit from this book.

A Crisis Like No Other: Understanding and Defeating Global Warming couples engaging and creative storytelling with accurate details to explain global warming. It covers both the technical and human issues of global warming by addressing what's causing global warming, and why people don't believe it exists. The book tells readers how to convince others that global warming is not only real, but life-threatening, and offers a clearly laid out path to solve it. The book is accurate and carefully researched, drawing on the author's thirty years of studying the science of global warming, and the human psyche that surrounds it. The author breaks down the subject into four parts, which can be thought of as four mini-books in one. The first part covers the psychology of global warming denial, how to defend ourselves against its lies and fake news, and how to convince others of global warming's grave harm. The second part describes exactly what global warming is. The third answers the question what makes us so sure? Finally, the last part provides a road map showing us how to defeat global warming. This book is comprehensive, fast-paced, and easily accessible to readers from all walks of life. It provides an overview of everything one needs to know about global warming and, as such, is an excellent survey of global warming topics. In addition to being an easy and enjoyable read for the general public, A Crisis Like No Other: Understanding and Defeating Global Warming serves as a handy primer on climate change for environmental science classes.

Environmental Risk Assessment familiarizes readers with risk assessment for the main environmental systems that are surveyed: soil, water, and air. The text aims to enable learners to develop knowledge and awareness about environmental risk management and take action to transform society into a sustainable one. The eight edited chapters start with an introduction to the subject and an outline of good practices in risk assessment. The latter half presents a risk-based approach to the environment and provides a deep dive into risk management implementation for contaminated sites, monitoring air quality, evaluating drinking water for safety, and risk analysis in waste management. Concepts are explained in a simple manner with references included for further reading. This book is an essential guideline for students who require knowledge in the environmental engineering programs or related course modules.

Environmental issues such as overexploitation, pollution and degradation of natural resources have prompted us to look for ways to devise sustainable practices across industrial and public service sectors. Researchers and scientists all over the world are involved in developing strategies and techniques that help us achieve a sustainable environment. Technology for a Sustainable Environment presents an overview of various methods and techniques that can be adapted to sustain the environment. Chapters focus on techniques such as bioremediation, nanotechnology and biotechnology that can play a very important role in achieving environmental sustainability goals. The chapters also provide a detailed account about use of biotechnology, nanotechnology and other techniques in achieving environmental sustainability. Additionally, the book includes a discussion about emerging technologies that promote environmental sustainability like green technologies, biodegradable polymers and plastics. Readers will be able to understand how modern technologies can help in monitoring environmental pollutants, remediation of environmental pollution and prevention of environmental degradation. The book is suitable for readers, professionals and scholars at all levels who require an understanding of the technology in environmental science, environmental engineering and environmental biotechnology.

Microplastic Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Control sheds light on the causes, effects, and control of microplastic pollution, providing valuable insights into the tools and techniques for analysis, the impact on ecosystems, and the potential risks to human well-being. The editors focus on the urgency of addressing this global environmental challenge through collaborative efforts and sustainable solutions. This reference features 10 edited chapters covering multiple aspects of microplastic pollution. The book introduces the reader to various tools and techniques used to analyze microplastic pollution in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. It then examines the sources, pathways, and levels of microplastic contamination in the environment and explains how to evaluate the potential health risks for the nearby communities. The impact of microplastic on flora and fauna is presented in one chapter. To emphasize the importance of assessing microplastic contamination, the editors present a case study conducted in Thoothukudi, South India, to explore the implications of microplastic pollution on human health. The book also provides information on solutions to microplastic pollution including the use of bioplastics and removal techniques. Microplastic Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Control equips readers with a complete understanding of the global challenge of microplastics, fostering awareness and encouraging further research and action to protect our ecosystems and human health from their detrimental impact. It is an ideal handbook for environmental science researchers and students who need to understand microplastic pollution and plan environmental impact assessments for academic research and professional projects. Key Features - Comprehensive coverage of microplastic pollution with 10 structured chapters - Informs readers about important parameters to understand and measure the impact of microplastics on local fauna, flora and the surrounding environment - Covers evaluation and remediation of microplastics in both terrestrial and marine environments - Includes references for advanced readers - Includes a case study on the effect of microplastics in Thoothukudi, South India