Plate PDF Books

"Inspired by a GSA Penrose Conference held in Lander, Wyoming, June 14-18, 2006, this volume discusses the beginning and evolution of plate tectonics on Earth, and gives readers an introduction to some of the uncertainties and controversies related to the evolution of the planet. In the first three sections of the book, which cover isotopic, geochemical, metamorphic, mineralization, and mantle geodynamic constraints, a variety of papers address the question of when "modern-style" plate tectonics began on planet Earth. The next set of papers focuses on the geodynamic or geophysical constraints for the beginning of plate tectonics. The volume's final section synthesizes a broad range of evidence, from planetary analogues and geodynamic modeling, to Earth's preserved geologic record. This work provides an excellent graduate level text summarizing the current state of knowledge and will be of interest to a wide range of earth and planetary scientists."--Publisher's website.

Covers theory and background of local buckling, presenting simple design calculations which address this intriguing phenomenon. Attempts to master the process of buckling are described, citing both successes and failures. A number of failure case studies are presented as well. The final section of the book presents easy-to-follow design examples which conform to the latest Eurocode. Intended to introduce senior students in Bridge and Structural Engineering to the phenomenon of buckling, with special focus on thin-walled plated bridge girders. Suitable as a course instruction guide for its highly visual and descriptive style. Moreovere a good reference on buckling for practising and consulting engineers.

Around 225 million years ago, Earth was home to the supercontinent Pangaea and the massive sea Panthalassa. In fact, Earth’s land and water existed in several configurations before today’s familiar continents and oceans formed. Readers of this book will get an accessible introduction to plate tectonics. This key scientific theory explains why Earth’s landmasses have changed over time. The theory posits that the planet’s crust is broken up into plates that are constantly, if slowly, on the move. The book also examines the impact of plate tectonics on volcanoes, earthquakes, and the formation of mountains and rift valleys.

The beginning of the new millennium has been particularly devastating in terms of natural disasters associated with tectonic plate boundaries, such as earthquakes in Sumatra, Chile, Japan, Tahiti, and Nepal; the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean tsunamis; and volcanoes in Indonesia, Chile, Iceland that have produced large quantities of ash causing major disruption to aviation. In total, half a million people were killed by such natural disasters. These recurring events have increased our awareness of the destructive power of natural hazards and the major risks associated with them. While we have come a long way in the search for understanding such natural phenomena, and although our knowledge of Earth dynamics and plate tectonics has improved enormously, there are still fundamental uncertainties in our understanding of natural hazards. Increased understanding is crucial to improve our capacity for hazard prediction and mitigation. Volume highlights include: Main concepts associated with tectonic plate boundaries Novel studies on boundary-related natural hazards Fundamental concepts that improve hazard prediction and mitigation Plate Boundaries and Natural Hazards will be a valuable resource for scientists and students in the fields of geophysics, geochemistry, plate tectonics, natural hazards, and climate science.

Evidence generated by a number of genetic studies indicates that growth is regulated by a number of genes and that interference with their expression can have catastrophic effects on the well being of the whole organism. This work covers skeletal development and growth.

Effects of fuel plates successively withdrawn from the center fuel element of a seven-by-three core loading at the Oak Ridge Bulk Shielding Facility were evaluated by two-dimensional two-group diffusion calculations performed on the NASA reactor simulator. Two calculation methods were used: (1) The slowing-down properties of the experimental fuel element were represented by infinite media parameters; and (2) the finite size of the experimental fuel element was recognized, and the slowing-down properties of the surrounding core were attributed to this small region. Reasonable agreement existed between experimental and calculated effects.