Aimed at a first course in environmental physics, environmental science, environmental analysis, or environmental monitoring. This text can be used by first year students and above, and takes a scientific approach as opposed to a social or political one. Mathematics is kept to a minimum, although some background (school) knowledge of science is assumed. Courses would be taught in physics, environmental science and physical science departments.
Comprehensively covering the field, this book brings together the latest developments, theories, research and concerns, from both the scientific and social sides. Placing the environment firmly at the centre of the scientific agenda, it provides all the background needed by readers to fully understand this important and often 'hype-driven' subject. Whilst mathematics is introduced where necessary, it is carefully explained and kept simple, with derivations generally being avoided. Wherever possible, topics of current concern and relevance are included, and many examples, features and appetisers or mini-case studies are included, frequently drawn from publications such as New Scientist, Nature, Science, Physics Today and Scientific American. The book starts with a general overview of the subject, and then moves on to cover climate, energy, pollutants, noise, measurements and social aspects.
Environmental Science: Physical Principles and Applications examines the fundamental problems that arise from the interaction between humans and their natural environment. Taken from a physicists perspective, this comprehensive introduction considers how the negative impact of our modern existence upon our environment can be avoided, or at the very least reduced.
Providing extensive coverage of the field, this book brings together the latest developments, theories, research and concerns from both a scientific and social perspective. Beginning with an introduction on approaching environmental problems, the text then moves on to look at climatic change, conventional energy, the transport of pollutants, experimental methods and ends with a discussion on science and society.
Mathematics is only introduced where necessary, and is carefully explained with derivations generally avoided. The science is made more accessible through the introduction of many illustrative examples in the theoretical parts of the text combined with the inclusion of numerous mini-case studies.
Environmental Science: Physical Principles and Applications features:
- Extensive coverage of the latest concerns, issues and developments within the field from both a scientific and social perspective.
- Numerous relevant examples and mini-case studies (appetisers) combined with exercises in each chapter and references for further reading.
- A supplementary website where students can access experiments and simple models relevant to the book
This introductory textbook will be invaluable to all students taking a first course in environmental science, environmental physics, environmental analysis or environmental monitoring.
