The most complete, nonpartisan source of information on this hot agronomic topic available today, this book brings together a diverse group of papers and data to resolve the debate between sedimentologists and soil scientists and agronomists over whether the effects of soil erosion on carbon and atmospheric CO2 is beneficial or destructive. Divided
Soil erosion is a major environmental issue with a worldwide impact and direct and indirect effects on soil productivity and consequently on human survival. Although a natural process, soil erosion has increased significantly due to human intervention, especially in the last centuries, through diverse activities such as intensive agriculture, overgrazing, urban sprawl, deforestation, and industrial and mining activities. Presently, soil erosion and degradation promoted by human action have reached extreme levels, necessitating urgent measures to promote soil conservation and rehabilitation. This book presents perspectives on soil erosion occurring in different parts of the world as well as some successful initiatives and strategies for soil conservation and rehabilitation.
Ce traité délivre une partie significative du regard scientifique français actuel sur l'érosion des géomatériaux dans les domaines des ouvrages hydrauliques (barrages, digues) et des milieux naturels (éoliens, fluviaux, côtiers). Les mécanismes élémentaires d'érosion interne et d'érosion de surface sont abordés un à un : filtration, suffusion, érosion de contact, érosion de conduit, transport sédimentaire, transport par charriage. Privilégiant un angle d'approche mécanique/physique, les contributions alternent entre une vision phénoménologique résolument ancrée sur le fait expérimental et une description capable de proposer un cadre de modélisation. Dans ce traité, des physiciens et des mécaniciens font partager au lecteur les connaissances les plus récentes dans leur domaine tout en gardant une présentation accessible. Les étudiants, les chercheurs et les ingénieurs y trouveront une source d'information bien documentée, pour aborder de manière moderne l'érosion des géomatériaux.
During the last twenty years, mutations within agricultural systems in France and Europe have brought on a spectacular worsening of soil erosion and degradation. This volume, contributed to by scientists from 25 countries, discusses how this risk can be evaluated, and which solutions should be adopted without radically disturbing the socio-economic orientation of major agricultural regions. It is an excellent starting point for the development of new research themes, and will be of great value to soil and environmental scientists, and to all those involved in land irrigation and drainage.
Floods are difficult to prevent but can be managed in order to reduce their environmental, social, cultural, and economic impacts. Flooding poses a serious threat to life and property, and therefore it’s very important that flood risks be taken into account during any planning process. This handbook presents different aspects of flooding in the context of a changing climate and across various geographical locations. Written by experts from around the world, it examines flooding in various climates and landscapes, taking into account environmental, ecological, hydrological, and geomorphic factors, and considers urban, agriculture, rangeland, forest, coastal, and desert areas. Features Presents the main principles and applications of the science of floods, including engineering and technology, natural science, as well as sociological implications. Examines flooding in various climates and diverse landscapes, taking into account environmental, ecological, hydrological, and geomorphic factors. Considers floods in urban, agriculture, rangeland, forest, coastal, and desert areas Covers flood control structures as well as preparedness and response methods. Written in a global context, by contributors from around the world.
The tropics provide the key to understanding much biological and Earth science. This is particularly true for the study of landforms, which in higher latitudes suffer great seasonal contrasts in process intensity and type, and which often in the past underwent the dramatic changes of glaciation and periglaciation. Yet studies in the tropics have shown that the legacy of past climate changes is much more dramatic than was formerly believed. This book, first published in 1985, brings together the variety of evidence about such environmental changes, over a variety of timescales, and sets it against the current knowledge of the nature of geomorphic processes in the tropics.
