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The Earth Transformed: An Untold History
by Peter FrankopanA NEW YORKER BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • A revolutionary new history that reveals how climate change has dramatically shaped the development—and demise—of civilizations across time*The ebook edition now includes endnotes. Anyone who purchased the book previously can re-download this updated edition and access the notes.* Global warming is one of the greatest dangers mankind faces today. Even as temperatures increase, sea levels rise, and natural disasters escalate, our current environmental crisis feels difficult to predict and understand. But climate change and its effects on us are not new. In a bold narrative that spans centuries and continents, Peter Frankopan argues that nature has always played a fundamental role in the writing of history. From the fall of the Moche civilization in South America that came about because of the cyclical pressures of El Niño to volcanic eruptions in Iceland that affected Egypt and helped bring the Ottoman empire to its knees, climate change and its influences have always been with us. Frankopan explains how the Vikings emerged thanks to catastrophic crop failure, why the roots of regime change in eleventh-century Baghdad lay in the collapse of cotton prices resulting from unusual climate patterns, and why the western expansion of the frontiers in North America was directly affected by solar flare activity in the eighteenth century. Again and again, Frankopan shows that when past empires have failed to act sustainably, they have been met with catastrophe. Blending brilliant historical writing and cutting-edge scientific research, The Earth Transformed will radically reframe the way we look at the world and our future.
The Earth Transformed: An Introduction to Human Impacts on the Environment
by Andrew S. Goudie Heather A. VilesThe Earth Transformed answers the need for a concise, non-technical introduction to the ways in which the natural environment has been and is being affected by human activities. It is simply and engagingly written, and illustrated with maps, diagrams, figures and photographs. Among the subjects described and considered by the authors are desertification, deforestation, wetland management, biodiversity, climatic change, air pollution, the impact of cities on climate and hydrology, erosion, salinization, waste disposal, sea level rise, marine pollution, coral reef degradation and aquaculture. The book is organized around 45 case studies taken from all parts of the globe and chosen for their intrinsic interest and representative nature. Further features of the book include guides to further reading, suggestions for debate and study, and a glossary of terms. The book is aimed to meet the needs of students beginning courses on environmental science and geography.
Earth under Fire: How Global Warming Is Changing the World
by Gary BraashEarth under Fire is the most complete guide to the effects of climate change now available. It offers an upbeat and intelligent account of how we can lessen the effects of our near-total dependence on fossil fuels using technologies and energy sources already available.
Earth Under Fire: Humanity's Survival of the Ice Age
by Paul A. LavioletteAnother book in a series of books on quantum physics exploring the construct of our universe. this book covers the coming galactic changes.
The Earth Wants YOU
by Reverend Billy Talen"You must check out the newest from my favorite transcendent and down to earth preacher."--Laurie Anderson, artist, musicianThe Earth Wants YOU is a motivational handbook, filled with inspired visions of a wild, creative, Earth-led cultural revolution. Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping offer up a heady mix of humor, insightful critique, passionate commitment, emotional catharsis, and example after example of vibrant direct action. Stop shopping and feel the love as you sign up for the struggle of our lives! Earthalujah!Praise for The Earth Wants YOU:"Singing instructions for joining the Earthalujah choir!"--Jodie Evans, CODEPINK"My Earthmojis are smiling for Reverend Billy! And that's all the dirt you're gonna get from me. O;"--Justin Vivian Bond, trans-genre artist, Radical Faerie"Mama Earth will shake us ALL off unless we shake shit UP and shut it DOWN!"--Bertha Lewis, The Black Institute"This is what makes social movements succeed--it's the big love-slog we have to go through to achieve change."--Andy Bichlbaum, The Yes Men"Join Rev and his merry band of activists as they imagine ways of arousing concern for the environment and racial justice."--Coco Fusco, creator of Eu Sou Um Consumidor"When the singing activists hit the high notes in a bank lobby or a DARPA lab or the back aisle of a Walmart, they wipe away the veils hiding the madness of our corporate-controlled, consumer-crazed society."--Annie Leonard, director of Greenpeace USA"Ssssh, listen . . . let the Church of Stop Shopping exorcise your fear, doubt and burnout, and join the Earthalujah Revolution!"-Jess Worth, BP or not BP?"This call to action is at once sobering and encouraging. We have fucked up really badly, but the ability to see it-is the first and hardest step toward fixing it."--Douglas Rushkoff, author of Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus"Reverend Billy's ALL IN! bodies and voices . . . not just clicks and posts, for this small village we call Earth. Preach On!"--Obang Metho, Solidarity Movement for a New Ethiopia"The Stop Shoppers packs a whoop."--Roberto Sifuentes, La Pocha Nostra"In between satire and silence, there is a space of penetrating reckoning for all vibrations that flow counter to the balance of Nature. And from this dynamic and tricky space, the Honorable Reverend and his Holified Choir will shout, sing and sermonize a soul-bound love message of Truthalujah!"--John Sims, The AfroDixie Remixes"The Church of Stop Shopping is in the vanguard of a new movement that challenges this consumer society that is killing our planet."--Mike Roselle, Climate Ground Zero and Coal River Mountain Watch"Billy, Savi and the choir have love and optimistic humor, and they don't give up on people."--David LaChapelle, comedian"He seems to be writing while his actions are going on, like he can write while he's hand-cuffed."--Benny Zable, The Nimbin Environment Centre, NSW Australia"The Earth Wants You takes readers deep inside the heart, mind and balls of the activist-artist. Reverend Billy rocks hard!"--Annie Sprinkle, artist, ecosexual sexecologist"He was a comic act. Now he's evolved into a man compulsively challenging the true extent of the right to protest."--Anohni, creator of the song "4 Degrees"Reverend Billy and his choir of singing-activists are on the front lines of creative direct action, and here they offer up a distillation of the passion, the inspiration, and the hopes for love and survival that fuel their work. In a mix of essays, polemics, surrealist scenarios and news flashes from the frontlines, Reverend Billy answers the question, "What are we to do?" with a resounding chorus of "Take Action NOW!"
Earthbag Building: The Tools, Tricks and Techniques (Mother Earth News Books for Wiser Living)
by Donald Kiffmeyer Kaki HunterOver 70 percent of Americans cannot afford to own a code-enforced, contractor-built home. This has led to widespread interest in using natural materials--straw, cob, and earth--for building homes and other buildings that are inexpensive, and that rely largely on labor rather than expensive and often environmentally-damaging outsourced materials.Earthbag Building is the first comprehensive guide to all the tools, tricks, and techniques for building with bags filled with earth--or earthbags. Having been introduced to sandbag construction by the renowned Nader Khalili in 1993, the authors developed this "Flexible Form Rammed Earth Technique" over the last decade. A reliable method for constructing homes, outbuildings, garden walls and much more, this enduring, tree-free architecture can also be used to create arched and domed structures of great beauty--in any region, and at home, in developing countries, or in emergency relief work.This profusely illustrated guide first discusses the many merits of earthbag construction, and then leads the reader through the key elements of an earthbag building: Special design considerations Foundations, walls and floors Electrical, plumbing and shelving Lintels, windows and door installations Roofs, arches and domes Exterior and interior plasters.With dedicated sections on costs, making your own specialized tools, and building code considerations, as well as a complete resources guide, Earthbag Building is the long-awaited, definitive guide to this uniquely pleasing construction style.Kaki Hunter and Donald Kiffmeyer have been involved in the construction industry for the last 20 years, specializing in affordable, low-tech, low-impact building methods that are as natural as possible. They developed the "Flexible Form Rammed Earth Technique" of building affordably with earthbags and have taught the subject and contributed their expertise to several books and journals on natural building.
Earthcomm: Earth's Natural Resources
by Michael J. Smith John B. Southard Ruta DemeryBy studying EarthComm one will discover the wonder and importance of Earth science.
Earthcomm: Earth's Fluid Spheres
by Michael J. Smith John B. Southard Ruta DemeryBy reading EarthComm classroom, you'll discover the wonder and importance of Earth science by studying it where it counts--in your community.
EarthComm Earth System Science in the Community
by Michael J. Smith John B. Southard Ruta DemeryImagine more than 500,000 Earth scientists worldwide sharing a common voice, and you've just imagined the mission of the American Geological Institute. Our mission is to raise public awareness of the Earth sciences and the role that they play in mankind's use of natural resources, mitigation of natural hazards, and stewardship of the environment.
EarthComm Earth System Science in the Community
by Michael J. Smith John B. Southard Ruta DemeryThe mission of this book is to raise public awareness of the Earth sciences and the role that they play in mankind's use of natural resources, mitigation of natural hazards, and stewardship of the environment.
Earthen Floors
by Sukita Reay Crimmel James ThomsonFor most of human history, people have lived in durable, comfortable buildings made from natural materials such as soil, sand, rocks, and fiber. All over the globe, these ancient traditions persist; a quarter to a third of the world's population today lives in houses built partially or entirely of earth. Conventional Western building techniques using industrial materials may save time and create efficiencies, but these perceived savings come at considerable financial and environmental cost.As well as boasting a unique and beautiful aesthetic, natural building techniques are accessible, affordable, and non-toxic. Earthen Floors: A Modern Approach to an Ancient Practice is the first comprehensive, fully illustrated manual covering the history, use, and maintenance of this attractive, practical flooring option. This detailed, fully illustrated guide explains every part of the process, including: Sourcing and harvesting materials Preparing the subfloor Pouring, finishing, and sealing the floor Living with and maintaining your earthen floorBecause information on creating quality earthen floors was not previously widely available, there have been some negative experiences. Drawing on the combined knowledge of the most qualified earthen floor practitioners, as well their own substantial experience, the authors deliver the definitive resource for this exciting technique, perfect for everyone from the novice to veteran builder.Sukita Reay Crimmel has installed over twenty thousand square feet of earthen flooring, and is one of the preeminent experts in the emerging field of earthen floors.James Thomson is part of House Alive, one of the leading natural building training organizations in the country.
Earthlings: Imaginative Encounters with the Natural World
by Adrian ParrAmid environmental catastrophe, it is vital to recall what unites all forms of life. We share characteristics and genetic material extending back billions of years. More than that, we all—from humans to plants to bacteria—share a planet. We are all Earthlings.Adrian Parr calls on us to understand ourselves as existing with and among the many forms of Earthling life. She argues that human survival requires us to recognize our interdependent relationships with the other species and systems that make up life on Earth. In a series of meditations, Earthlings portrays the wonder and beauty of life with deep feeling, vivid detail, and an activist spirit. Parr invites readers to travel among the trees of the Amazonian rainforest; take flight with birds and butterflies migrating through the skies; and plunge into the oceans with whales and polar bears—as well as to encounter bodies infected with deadly viruses and maimed by the violence of global capitalism.Combining poetic observation with philosophical contemplation and scientific evidence, Parr offers a moving vision of a world in upheaval and a potent manifesto for survival. Earthlings is both a joyful celebration of the magnificence of the biosphere and an urgent call for action to save it.
Earthmasters
by Clive HamiltonThis book goes to the heart of the unfolding reality of the twenty-first century: international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have all failed, and before the end of the century Earth is projected to be warmer than it has been for 15 million years. The question "can the crisis be avoided?" has been superseded by a more frightening one, "what can be done to prevent the devastation of the living world?" And the disturbing answer, now under wide discussion both within and outside the scientific community, is to seize control of the very climate of the Earth itself. Clive Hamilton begins by exploring the range of technologies now being developed in the field of geoengineering--the intentional, enduring, large-scale manipulation of Earth's climate system. He lays out the arguments for and against climate engineering, and reveals the extent of vested interests linking researchers, venture capitalists, and corporations. He then examines what it means for human beings to be making plans to control the planet's atmosphere, probes the uneasiness we feel with the notion of exercising technological mastery over nature, and challenges the ways we think about ourselves and our place in the natural world.
Earthquake Alert!
by Shilpa Mehta-JonesWhen the earth shakes beneath your feet, the result can be dangerous and deadly. This book traces tremors and seismic waves and explains how we have prepared for the unexpected quakes that rock our citiesand countryside. Special sections feature* Earth's layers, plate tectonics, and major fault lines* technology used for forecasting, predicting, and measuring earthquakes* accompanying tsunamis, landslides, and fires* activity/observation page
Earthquake and Disaster Risk: Decade Retrospective of the Wenchuan Earthquake
by Yong-Gang LiThis book presents review papers and research articles focusing on the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan, China, discussing cross-disciplinary and multiple thematic aspects of modern seismological, geophysical, geological and stochastic methodology and technology. Resulting from international and regional earthquake research and disaster mitigation collaborations, and written by international authors from multiple institutions and disciplines, it describes methods and techniques in earthquake science based on investigations of the Wenchuan earthquake. It also includes extensive reference lists to aid further research. The book helps both senior researchers and graduate students in earthquake science to broaden their horizons in data analysis, numerical modeling and structural retrieval for the tectonic, geological, geophysical and mechanical interpretation of the 2008 M8 Wenchuan earthquake to support a global and regional cooperation for preparedness, and the mitigation and management of seismic risk.
Earthquake Data in Engineering Seismology
by Polat Gülkan Sinan Akkar Torild Van EckThis book addresses current activities in strong-motion networks around the globe, covering issues related to designing, maintaining and disseminating information from these arrays. The book is divided into three principal sections. The first section includes recent developments in regional and global ground-motion predictive models. It presents discussions on the similarities and differences of ground motion estimations from these models and their application to design spectra as well as other novel procedures for predicting engineering parameters in seismic regions with sparse data. The second section introduces topics about the particular methodologies being implemented in the recently established global and regional strong-motion databanks in Europe to maintain and disseminate the archived accelerometric data. The final section describes major strong-motion arrays around the world and their historical developments. The last three chapters of this section introduce projects carried out within the context of arrays deployed for seismic risk studies in metropolitan areas. Audience: This timely book will be of particular interest for researchers who use accelerometric data extensively to conduct studies in earthquake engineering and engineering seismology.
Earthquake Disaster Simulation of Civil Infrastructures
by Xinzheng Lu Hong GuanBased on 12 years of research into an accurate and efficient method for simulating seismic damage to buildings and cities, this book covers the numerical models, higher-performance computation and high-fidelity visualization of tall buildings and urban areas. It also demonstrates the engineering applications of the proposed methodologies in connection with typical landmark projects (e. g. , Shanghai Tower and Z15 Tower, two of the tallest buildings in the world; the Beijing Central Business District (CBD), Xi'an City, Taiyuan City and Tangshan City, China). Providing a comprehensive and systematic resource, the book offers a long-awaited guide for researchers and graduate students in related areas.
Earthquake Disaster Simulation of Civil Infrastructures: From Tall Buildings to Urban Areas
by Xinzheng Lu Hong GuanThe first edition of this monograph, presenting accurate and efficient simulations of seismic damage to buildings and cities, has received significant attention from the research community. To keep abreast of the rapid development in recent years, our latest breakthrough achievements have been added to this new edition, including novel resilient structural components, secondary disaster simulations, emergency responses and resilient recovery of communities after earthquake. This edition comprehensively covers a range of numerical modeling approaches, higher performance computation methods, and high fidelity visualization techniques for earthquake disaster simulation of tall buildings and urban areas. It also demonstrates successful engineering applications of the proposed methodologies to typical landmark projects (e.g., Shanghai Tower and CITIC Tower, two of the world's tallest buildings; Beijing CBD and San Francisco Bay Area). Reported in this edition are a collection of about 60 high impact journal publications which have already received high citations.
Earthquake Disasters in Latin America
by Cinna Lomnitz Heriberta CastañosThis book is an attempt to demonstrate the analytical power of the holistic approach for understanding disasters. Six major earthquakes in Latin America are used as an example: the general idea is to place disasters in a broad social and regional context. Understanding disasters is a way of understanding the social system. The idea is to show that every major disaster is unique and different. Statistical methods may be useful for purposes of risk estimation but modern disasters are "systemic" and complex. In the chapter on the 2010 Chile earthquake we discuss the tsunami and why the system of tsunami alert did not work. The introductory chapter contains some basics of seismology (plate tectonics) and earthquake engineering. The 1985 Mexico earthquake describes why geology is important. Why was Mexico City founded in a lake? Technology must be adapted to the environment, not "imported" from possibly more advanced but different societies. The 1970 Peru earthquake is an example of disaster in a unique environment. Caracas 1967 takes us on a survey of different engineering solutions. And the 1960 Chile earthquake leads us on a retrospective survey--what has changed in Chile between the two major Chile earthquakes? A discussion on Charles Darwin's observations of the 1835 Chile earthquake provides a fitting summary.
Earthquake Engineering and Disaster Mitigation: Contributions in the Honour of Late Professor D. K. Paul (Springer Tracts in Civil Engineering)
by Ravi S. Jakka Yogendra Singh T. G. Sitharam Bal Krishna MaheshwariThis book has been brought out in remembrance of Prof. DK Paul who has contributed immensely to the domain of Earthquake Engineering and Earthquake Disaster Mitigation. Prof. Paul was a leading authority in this field and has made significant contributions in Earthquake Resistant Analysis as well as Design of various special structures, which resulted in earthquake disaster reduction in India. This book comprises recent diverse topics on earthquake engineering and disaster mitigation. The chapters are of interest to readers, as the different chapters will elaborate popular topics on various aspects of earthquake engineering and disaster management. Substantial research work has been carried out in the domain of earthquake engineering for understanding the underlying phenomena as well as to attain relevance in mitigating disaster. Under overarching umbrella of earthquake engineering and technology, systematic categorization of various ongoing research details pertaining to earthquake engineering and disaster management has been introduced in this book. The chapters appended in this book not only comprise detailed understanding of the responses of soil and structure under the implications of seismic loading but also address some of the innovative ways to cater the implications of severe loading conditions. Further, this book also introduces specific case studies pertaining to various regions of India, which will aid the readers to attain a detailed idea about the seismic aspects of those regions in order to undergo further research. This also aids in mitigating potential hazards due to future earthquakes in terms of taking proper remedial measures. The appended chapters comprise in-depth knowledge about several aspects on earthquake engineering such as nonlinear seismic response of both superstructures and embedded structures, design spectrum, amplification prediction, simulation with the aid of stochastic approaches, seismic performance of structures as well as earthquake induced disasters. The aforementioned wide-ranging topics pertaining to earthquake engineering and disaster management aid in substantial development in futuristic research and employ innovative ways to cater the needs of mitigating disasters. All the chapters consist of proper illustrations and tables which makes it easy to comprehend the vital concepts for the readers as well as aids in implementing new aspects in the field in addition to classroom learning.
Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics in Memory of Ragnar Sigbjörnsson
by Rajesh Rupakhety Símon ÓlafssonThis book presents methods and results that cover and extend beyond the state-of-the-art in structural dynamics and earthquake engineering. Most of the chapters are based on the keynote lectures at the International Conference in Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics (ICESD), held in Reykjavik, Iceland, on June 12-14, 2017. The conference is being organised in memory of late Professor Ragnar Sigbjörnsson, who was an influential teacher and one of the leading researchers in the fields of structural mechanics, random fields, engineering seismology and earthquake engineering. Professor Sigbjörnsson had a close research collaboration with the Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology (NTNU), where his research was mainly focused in dynamics of marine and offshore structures. His research in Iceland was mainly focused on engineering seismology and earthquake engineering. The keynote-lecture based chapters are contributed by leading experts in these fields of research and showcase not only the historical perspective but also the most recent developments as well as a glimpse into the future. These chapters showcase a synergy of the fields of structural dynamics, engineering seismology, and earthquake engineering. In addition, some chapters in the book are based on works carried out under the leadership and initiative of Professor Sigbjörnsson and showcase his contribution to the understanding of seismic hazard and risk in Iceland. As such, the book is useful for both researchers and practicing engineers who are interested in recent research advances in structural dynamics and earthquake engineering, and in particular to those interested in seismic hazard and risk in Iceland.
Earthquake Engineering for Nuclear Facilities
by Masanori Hamada Michiya KunoThis book is a comprehensive compilation of earthquake- and tsunami-related technologies and knowledge for the design and construction of nuclear facilities. As such, it covers a wide range of fields including civil engineering, architecture, geotechnical engineering, mechanical engineering, and nuclear engineering, for the development of new technologies providing greater resistance against earthquakes and tsunamis. It is crucial both for students of nuclear energy courses and for young engineers in nuclear power generation industries to understand the basics and principles of earthquake- and tsunami-resistant design of nuclear facilities. In Part I, "Seismic Design of Nuclear Power Plants", the design of nuclear power plants to withstand earthquakes and tsunamis is explained, focusing on buildings, equipment's, and civil engineering structures. In Part II, "Basics of Earthquake Engineering", fundamental knowledge of earthquakes and tsunamis as well as the dynamic response of structures and foundation ground are explained.
Earthquake Engineering Frontiers in the New Millennium
by B.F. Spencer and Y.X. HuThis volume comprises papers presented at the China-US Millennium Symposium on Earthquake Engineering, held in Beijing, China, on November 8-11, 2000. This conference provides a forum for advancing the field of earthquake engineering through multi-lateral cooperation.
Earthquake Engineering in Europe
by Atilla Ansal Mihail GarevskiThis book contains 9 invited keynote and 12 theme lectures presented at the 14th European Conference on Earthquake Engineering (14ECEE) held in Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia, from August 30 to September 3, 2010. The conference was organized by the Macedonian Association for Earthquake Engineering (MAEE), under the auspices of European Association for Earthquake Engineering (EAEE). The book is organized in twenty one state-of-the-art papers written by carefully selected very eminent researchers mainly from Europe but also from USA and Japan. The contributions provide a very comprehensive collection of topics on earthquake engineering, as well as interdisciplinary subjects such as engineering seismology and seismic risk assessment and management. Engineering seismology, geotechnical earthquake engineering, seismic performance of buildings, earthquake resistant engineering structures, new techniques and technologies and managing risk in seismic regions are all among the different topics covered in this book. The book also includes the First Ambraseys Distinguished Award Lecture given by Prof. Theo P. Tassios in the honor of Prof. Nicholas N. Ambraseys. The aim is to present the current state of knowledge and engineering practice, addressing recent and ongoing developments while also projecting innovative ideas for future research and development. It is not always possible to have so many selected manuscripts within the broad spectrum of earthquake engineering thus the book is unique in one sense and may serve as a good reference book for researchers in this field. Audience: This book will be of interest to civil engineers in the fields of geotechnical and structural earthquake engineering; scientists and researchers in the fields of seismology, geology and geophysics. Not only scientists, engineers and students, but also those interested in earthquake hazard assessment and mitigation will find in this book the most recent advances.