Minerals

Author: David J. Vaughan
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 0199682844
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 161

Book Description
The Earth contains a vast array of minerals, many with highly complex arrangements of atoms of several elements. David Vaughan explores the structure of minerals, the conditions under which they form and transform, their properties, and their interaction with microbes, as well as their importance in human health.

Minerals: A Very Short Introduction

Author: David Vaughan
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 0191505331
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 188

Book Description
Minerals existed long before any forms of life, playing a key role in the origin and evolution of life; an interaction with biological systems that we are only now beginning to understand. Exploring the traditional strand of mineralogy, which emphasises the important mineral families, the well-established analytical methods (optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction) and the dramatic developments made in techniques over recent decades, David Vaughan also introduces the modern strand of mineralogy, which explores the role minerals play in the plate tectonic cycle and how they interact with the living world. Demonstrating how minerals can be critical for human health and illness by providing essential nutrients and releasing poisons, Vaughan explores the multitude of ways in which minerals have aided our understanding of the world. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Minerals: A Very Short Introduction

Author: David Vaughan
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 0191505323
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 161

Nutrition: A Very Short Introduction

Author: David Bender
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 0191504157
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 129

Book Description
Nutrition is a topic of wide interest and importance. In spite of growing understanding of the underlying biochemistry, and health campaigns such as 'five-a-day', increasing obesity and reported food allergies and eating disorders, as well as the widely advertised 'supposed' benefits of food supplements mean that a clear explanation of the basic principles of a healthy diet are vital. In this Very Short Introduction, David Bender explains the basic elements of food, the balance between energy intake and exercise, the problems of over- and under-nutrition, and raises the question of safety of nutritional supplements. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Rocks

Author: Jan Zalasiewicz
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0198725191
Category : Rocks
Languages : en
Pages : 161

Book Description
"In this Very Short Introduction Jan Zalasiewicz looks at the structure and diversity of rocks, and the processes by which they form. He describes their formation during the birth of our planet; considers what rocks there might be in Earth's deep mantle and core and on other planets; and shows how humans are creating new rock types today."--

Landscapes and Geomorphology: A Very Short Introduction

Author: Andrew Goudie
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199565570
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 153

Book Description
Examining what landscape is, and how we use a range of ideas and techniques to study it, Andrew Goudie and Heather Viles demonstrate how geomorphologists have built on classic methods pioneered by some great 19th century scientists to examine our Earth.

On Biomineralization

Author: Heinz A. Lowenstam
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0195364198
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 335

Book Description
Focusing on the basic principles of mineral formation by organisms, this comprehensive volume explores questions that relate to a wide variety of fields, from biology and biochemistry, to paleontology, geology, and medical research. Preserved fossils are used to date geological deposits and archaeological artifacts. Materials scientists investigate mineralized tissues to determine the design principles used by organisms to form strong materials. Many medical problems are also associated with normal and pathological mineralization. Lowenstam, the pioneer researcher in biomineralization, and Weiner discuss the basic principles of mineral formation by organisms and compare various mineralization processes. Reference tables listing all known cases in which organisms form minerals are included.

Climate: A Very Short Introduction

Author: Mark Maslin
Publisher: OUP Oxford
ISBN: 0199641137
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 177

Book Description
In this Very Short Introduction, Mark Maslin looks at all aspects of climate, from the physical and chemical factors that drive it and how climate differs from weather, to how climate has affected human settlements and the cyclic features of it. He ends with a look at climate change and our current approaches to solving it.

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN: 0198804458
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 169

Book Description

Mountains

Author: Martin F. Price
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 0199695881
Category : Electronic books
Languages : en
Pages : 153

Book Description
In this Very Short Introduction, Martin Price addresses the role of mountains in global ecosystems and within human culture. Considering the global effects of melting glaciers, and the conservation of mountain regions and peoples, he discusses the future of mountainous regions and the implications for all of us.