Earth's environment, natural disasters, and tectonic dynamics

Author: Chen Yongshun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: This book introduces some cutting-edge research directions and advancements in the fields of Earth's environment, natural disasters, and geodynamic processes. The book is divided into 9 chapters, each largely independent and self-contained. The main content includes: the seasonal variations of snow cover and their impact on the chemical composition of surface water; one of the important research topics in seismic disaster studies, namely the transfer of stress fields over time and the potential triggering of earthquakes; the mechanisms and dynamics of explosive volcanic eruptions and lake eruptions; a comprehensive review of the tectonic evolution history of the Asian continent since the Cenozoic era; an exploration of whether horizontal mantle extrusion driven by continental-continental collision occurs beneath the Asian continent; the use of seismic tomography to study the deep structure and origin of global hotspots and mantle plumes; an examination of the causes of subduction zones, with an in-depth discussion of the buoyancy effects resulting from lateral density differences within the lithosphere; the controlling role of seafloor spreading rates, mantle temperature, and the cooling effects of seawater heat circulation in the process of oceanic crust formation at mid-ocean ridges, which are the centers of seafloor spreading; observational evidence from heat and pressure data indicates that young oceanic crust has high permeability properties. The author strives to present each topic in an accessible yet comprehensive manner, covering detailed introductions to fundamental principles, the latest research progress in the field, and the author's outlook for the future. This book is suitable for researchers and professionals in the fields of geology, geophysics, geochemistry, exploration, geography, oceanography, environmental science, and natural resources. It can also serve as a teaching reference for university students and teachers in related disciplines.