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: 0191505323
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 161

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.

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."--

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.

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

Book Description

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.

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.

Oceans

Author: Dorrik A. V. Stow
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199655073
Category : SCIENCE
Languages : en
Pages : 217

Book Description
Our oceans are hugely important, as a source of food and mineral wealth, as an environment for a vast variety of wildlife, for the role they play in climate regulation, and as part of the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and other elements critical to life. Dorrik Stow explores what we know about how oceans originate and are maintained.

Crystallography

Author: Anthony Michael Glazer
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0198717598
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 169

Book Description
A long history -- Symmetry -- Crystal structures -- Diffraction -- Seeing atoms -- Sources of radiation

Global Warming

Author: Mark Maslin
Publisher: Voyageur Press (MN)
ISBN: 9780760329658
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 72

Book Description
Describes the evidence of global warming, its causes, its predicted impacts, and how its detrimental effects can be reduced.