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Nature Books

Explore the beauty of the natural world with our Nature collection at Thryft. Immerse yourself in captivating narratives about the environment, wildlife, and the mysteries of our planet. From renowned environmentalists to insightful nature writers, there's something for every keen nature enthusiast.
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Shadows Here, There, and Everywhere
GOOR, Ron Goor  | Harpercollins

Shadows Here, There, and Everywhere

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 0.0

from $8.90

In stock: Well Read

"Shadows, Here, There, and Everywhere" could be a fascinating pick for you if you're drawn to the ethereal and the enigmatic. The book's exploration into the realm of the unseen and its influence in daily life can provide a profoundly intriguing perspective that might alter how you perceive the world around you. It's a narrative that weaves the mystery of shadows into a broader tapestry of existence, which can be both haunting and thought-provoking.
Weather - Reader's Digest Explores
New
Reader's Digest Association | Readers Digest

Weather - Reader's Digest Explores

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.6

from $8.90

In stock: Very Good

If you're fascinated by the skies and the various tapestries it weaves, "Weather" by Reader's Digest could be a delight for you. It offers an all-encompassing look into the atmospheric phenomena that shape our world—perfect for anyone who loves to watch the clouds roll by or is curious about the forces behind nature's most dramatic showcases.
Red Rocket Readers: Early Level 3 Non-Fiction Set B: Wind
New
Carol Krueger | Red Rocket Readers

Red Rocket Readers: Early Level 3 Non-Fiction Set B: Wind

from $9.90

Goodreads rating: 0.0

from $9.90

In stock: Well Read

If you've got a young reader at home, "Red Rocket Readers - Wind" could be a delightful addition to their bookshelf. It's a gentle nudge towards science, teaching them about the force of wind in an engaging way. Plus, it hints at outdoor play that harnesses the breeze, which could inspire some real-world adventures and an appreciation for nature's simple joys.
All About Lightning
Martin A. Uman | Dover Publications

All About Lightning

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.97

from $8.90

42% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

Ever been mesmerized by the crackling dance of lightning across the sky? "All About Lightning" takes that sense of wonder and delves deep into the science behind it. Martin A. Uman has laid out a clear, accessible path through the complexities of one of nature's most beautiful phenomena. Ideal for the weather enthusiast or the curious mind looking to grasp the mechanics of thunderstorms, this book doesn't just explain; it electrifies the intellect.
Understanding Weather and Climate - Thryft
James E. Burt, Edward Aguado  | Prentice Hall College Div

Understanding Weather and Climate

$10.90 from $3.90 64% off

Goodreads rating: 3.68

$10.90 from $3.90 64% off

94% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

"Understanding Weather and Climate" could be a great read for those interested in learning about atmospheric principles that govern weather and climate. The book features eight tutorial software modules on CD-ROM that explain difficult concepts in a user-friendly manner. Reviewers praise the clarity and lucidity of the writing style, making it an ideal pick for beginners and as a reference for students of meteorology.
Introduction To Weather & Climate Change - Thryft
laura-howell | Usborne Publishing

Introduction To Weather & Climate Change

$5.90 $3.90 67% off

Goodreads rating: 3.71

$5.90 $3.90 67% off

In stock: Well Read

Why this could be a good read: - This book breaks down complex concepts of weather and climate change into simple and understandable terms. - It helps you understand the natural forces behind weather patterns and investigates the conditions that may be causing changes in the climate. - Whether you're a student curious about the weather or an environmentally-conscious individual interested in climate change, this book provides a solid foundation for comprehending these important topics.
Did You Know?: 1000s of Facts About Everything from the Smallest Cell to the Whole Universe! - Thryft
Parragon Books | Parragon Publishing Book

Did You Know?: 1000s of Facts About Everything from the Smallest Cell to the Whole Universe!

$8.90 from $3.90 61% off

Goodreads rating: 1.0

$8.90 from $3.90 61% off

81% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

If you're the curious type who gets excited about knowing a bit of everything, "Did You Know?" will feed your fact-hungry brain. Each page is a conversation starter, revealing truths about the vast universe down to the tiniest cells. It's a treasure trove for trivia enthusiasts and an enlightening read for those who delight in learning new and quirky facts.
Comet
Carl Sagan | Penguin Putnam * Trade

Comet

$8.90 from $7.90 20% off

Goodreads rating: 4.11

$8.90 from $7.90 20% off

In stock: Well Read

If you're fascinated by the celestial wonders above us, "Comet" by Carl Sagan is a captivating read. It's a blend of science, history, and the sheer poetry of our universe. Sagan's ability to make complex concepts accessible while inspiring awe makes this book a treasure for anyone curious about the night sky and the enigmatic comets that grace it.
Matter And Chemistry - Thryft

Matter And Chemistry

$7.90 from $3.90 61% off

$7.90 from $3.90 61% off

In stock: Very Good


Publication Date: 1994
Storms and Hurricanes
Gary Bines, Andy Dixon, Kathy Gemmell  | Edc Pub

Storms and Hurricanes

$6.90 from $4.90 29% off

Goodreads rating: 3.67

$6.90 from $4.90 29% off

52% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

If you're intrigued by the raw power of nature and eager to understand the mechanics behind stormy skies, "Storms And Hurricanes" will sweep you into a whirlwind of knowledge. With engaging text and vivid illustrations, this book offers a clear and compelling exploration of meteorological phenomena, perfect for anyone looking to dive into the science of tempestuous weather.
The Living Earth Book of Wind & Weather
Carl A. Posey | Reader's Digest

The Living Earth Book of Wind & Weather

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.0

from $8.90

81% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

If you're fascinated by the dance of the wind and the drama in the skies, "The Living Earth Book Of Wind & Weather" is where your curiosity finds a home. Carl A. Posey has a knack for making complex meteorological concepts digestible, rewarding your interest with National Geographic-level photography that breathes life into each page. It's not just informative; it's a visual feast that beckons readers of all ages to explore and understand the atmosphere that cradles our planet.
Rogue Waves - Anatomy of a Monster
Michael Olagnon | Adlard Coles

Rogue Waves - Anatomy of a Monster

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.67

from $8.90

75% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

If you're captivated by the sheer power and mystery of the sea, "Rogue Waves - Anatomy Of A Monster" could be a thrilling read for you. Michel Olagnon marries science and storytelling, diving into what transforms a wave into a seafaring giant. Anyone interested in maritime phenomena or natural disasters will find this investigative journey both educational and gripping, a real deep-dive into the heart of one of nature’s most formidable creations.
Crystals And Crystal Growing - Thryft
Phylis Morrison, Alan Holden  | Mit Pr

Crystals And Crystal Growing

$5.90 $3.90 67% off

Goodreads rating: 3.81

$5.90 $3.90 67% off

92% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

This book is perfect for anyone interested in science experiments and wants to learn more about crystallography! The authors have created a comprehensive guide that is easy-to-follow, with clear instructions. The book covers everything from basic concepts to advanced experiments, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced readers. The most unique feature of the book is its ability to cater to non-specialists, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Explore the World of Weather
Robin Kerrod | Salamander Books Ltd.

Explore the World of Weather

$3.90 from $2.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.0

$3.90 from $2.90 34% off

62% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

If you're curious about the skies above, "Explore The World Of Weather" would be a delightful addition to your collection. It's a deep dive into the forces that shape our daily forecasts, perfect for beginners who wish to understand the whims of nature. Robin Kerrod's approachable narrative breaks down complex meteorological concepts, making it not just informative, but also a highly engaging read.
50 Ways to Improve Your Weather Forecasting
Dag Pike | Adlard Coles

50 Ways to Improve Your Weather Forecasting

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 0.0

from $8.90

62% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

If you're someone who loves understanding the sky's moods and wants a deeper grasp on weather patterns, "50 Ways To Improve Your Weather Forecasting" is right up your alley. Dag Pike has condensed expert knowledge into practical tips that'll elevate your forecasting skills, making this an invaluable resource for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The Weather - Thryft
Robin Kerrod, Ted Evans  | Benchmark Books

The Weather

$5.90 from $3.90 59% off

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$5.90 from $3.90 59% off

90% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

The Weather is an informative read that explains the science behind all types of weather conditions. With detailed descriptions of atmospheric processes and clear explanations, readers will gain a deeper understanding of weather science. This book is perfect for those who are fascinated by weather patterns and want to learn more about how and why they occur.
Weather Facts
Philip Eden | Dorling Kindersley

Weather Facts

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.0

from $8.90

In stock: Well Read

If you're curious about how the weather works or you find yourself frequently looking up at the sky with questions, "Weather Facts" would be a great addition to your collection. It's simple to digest, making it perfect for anyone without a background in meteorology, yet detailed enough to still be fascinating. Plus, its compact size means you can easily take it with you and consult it whenever you're pondering on cumulus clouds or mulling over the mysteries of monsoons.
The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe
Theodore Gray | Black Dog & Leventhal

The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe

from $12.90

Goodreads rating: 4.43

from $12.90

In stock: Very Good

If you've ever been curious about the building blocks of our universe, "The Elements" offers a captivating exploration. It presents a unique blend of scientific fact and visual artistry that could change the way you look at the world around you. Imagine holding a photo album of the universe's atoms—this is an experience that marries the wonder of nature with the thrill of discovery.
Rubber - Thryft
Heather Hammonds | Cengage Learning Australia

Rubber

$5.90 from $3.90 59% off

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$5.90 from $3.90 59% off

72% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

"Rubber" is a scientific exploration of rubber's history, production, and uses. It's a fascinating read revealing why rubber is one of the most important materials on earth, ideal for chemists, engineers, environmentalists, and anyone interested in science and innovation.
Restless Skies - The Ultimate Weather Book
Paul Douglas | Union Square & Co.

Restless Skies - The Ultimate Weather Book

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.9

from $8.90

64% off est. retail

In stock: Very Good

Whether you're a casual cloud watcher or a storm chaser at heart, "Restless Skies" by Paul Douglas offers a captivating exploration into the world of meteorology. Douglas serves as your knowledgeable guide, transforming complex weather phenomena into digestible insights. The book is replete with stunning illustrations and photographs that not only educate but also visually engage readers. Prepare to understand the weather's whims like never before – you'll never look at the skies the same way again.
Understanding Weather and Climate
James E. Burt, Edward Aguado  | Pearson College Div

Understanding Weather and Climate

from $8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.7

from $8.90

In stock: Well Read

If you're curious about the skies above us, "Understanding Weather and Climate" can be your gateway to the dynamics of the atmosphere. Whether you want to grasp the science without getting bogged down in equations or just want to know more about the forces shaping our weather, this book could be like having a knowledgeable friend who makes complex concepts accessible and engaging.
How Weather Works - Thryft
Michael Allaby | Dorling Kindersley Plc P/b

How Weather Works

$4.90 $3.90 56% off

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$4.90 $3.90 56% off

78% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the science behind weather phenomena. With engaging hands-on activities, this guide makes learning about weather fun and accessible for the whole family. Michael Allaby's comprehensive coverage of the topic makes this an ideal resource for students, scientists, or anyone curious about how the weather works.
Forces of Nature - Thryft
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Brian Cox, Andrew Cohen  | William Collins

Forces of Nature

from $7.41

Goodreads rating: 4.1

from $7.41

Out of stock

Forces of Nature is ideal for those curious about the fundamental laws of our world. Professor Brian Cox takes readers on a fascinating journey to explore the everyday world around us, from the manatees off the coast of Florida to the northern lights of the Arctic. This book delves into the beauty of our planet and the nature of space and time, making it a perfect read for those who enjoy delving into the mysteries of the universe.
Forces Of Nature - Thryft
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Brian Cox, Andrew Cohen  | William Collins

Forces Of Nature

from $8.26

Goodreads rating: 4.1

from $8.26

75% off est. retail

Out of stock

This book is a great read for anyone who is fascinated by the natural world. It offers a unique perspective that is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating. The authors take the reader on a journey through the forces of nature, from the delicate balance of the oceans to the explosive power of volcanoes. This book will leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world we live in.
Storm in a Teacup : The Physics of Everyday Life - Thryft
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Czerski Helen | Black Swan

Storm in a Teacup : The Physics of Everyday Life

from $5.55

Goodreads rating: 4.02

from $5.55

Out of stock

Just as Freakonomics brought economics to life, so Storm in a Teacup brings physics into our daily lives and makes it fascinating.What is it that helps both scorpions and cyclists to survive? What do raw eggs and gyroscopes have in common? And why does it matter?In an age of string theory, fluid dynamics and biophysics, it can seem as if the science of our world is only for specialists and academics. Not so, insists Helen Czerski – and in this sparkling new book she explores the patterns and connections that illustrate the grandest theories in the smallest everyday objects and experiences.Linking what makes popcorn pop to Antarctic winds, coffee stains to blood tests or ketchup bottles to aliens in space, every thread you pull in the fabric of everyday life shows you something new about the intricate patterns of our world.Read Storm in a Teacup and you will see and understand the world as you never did before.
Wonders of Life - Thryft
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Andrew Cohen, Brian Cox  | Collins

Wonders of Life

$13.90 from $9.73 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.42

$13.90 from $9.73 30% off

76% off est. retail

Out of stock

Wonders of Life could be a great read for those interested in the origins of life and the fundamental laws that govern it. The book takes readers on a journey to explore the diversity and adaptability of life through the eyes of Professor Brian Cox. The book is captivating with its experimental approach and cutting-edge graphics. Users have described the book as fascinating and informative, with the ability to make complex biological concepts approachable and engaging. The book is perfect for anyone looking to understand the secrets of life in the most unexpected places, and in stunning detail.
Introduction to the Worlds Oceans - Thryft
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Keith A. Sverdrup | Mcgraw-hill Higher Education

Introduction to the Worlds Oceans

from $23.77

Goodreads rating: 3.54

from $23.77

54% off est. retail

Out of stock

Introduction to the World's Oceans could be a good read for someone interested in learning the basic scientific concepts used to study the world's oceans. The book blends contemporary research with basic principles, making it easy to understand. It's a great book for students who want to learn about the oceans, but it can also be enjoyed by anyone who wants to expand their general knowledge about the world's oceans.
A Dictionary Of Science - Thryft
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Elizabeth A. Martin | Oxford University Press

A Dictionary Of Science

$3.88 from $2.72 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.17

$3.88 from $2.72 30% off

Out of stock

This book is an ideal reference for science students and non-scientists. It provides comprehensive coverage of various aspects of science including physics, biology, and astronomy. The dictionary features recommended web links for many entries, accessed and updated via the Dictionary of Science companion website. It includes short biographies of leading scientists, full-page illustrated features on subjects such as the Solar System and Genetically Modified Organisms, and chronologies of specific scientific subjects including plastics, electronics, and cell biology. The expanded coverage of global warming, forensic science, astrophysics, quantam theory, and the solar system makes it a must-read for those interested in science.
30-Second Weather: The 50 Most Significant Phenomena and Events, Each Explained in Half a Minute
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Adam Scaife | Ivy Press

30-Second Weather: The 50 Most Significant Phenomena and Events, Each Explained in Half a Minute

$8.90 from $7.90 20% off

Goodreads rating: 2.75

$8.90 from $7.90 20% off

51% off est. retail

Out of stock

Curious about the skies above you? "30-Second Weather" not only makes meteorology accessible but it's perfect for quick learning. Imagine the satisfaction of grasping complex weather phenomena in the time it takes to sip your coffee. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or just want to understand the forecast better, this book distills the essentials of weather science into short, engaging reads for anyone's busy schedule.
1001 Science Questions Answered - Thryft
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Reader's Digest Association | Reader's Digest Association

1001 Science Questions Answered

$7.19 from $4.31 40% off

Goodreads rating: 4.46

$7.19 from $4.31 40% off

Out of stock

Find out everything you want to know about the world around us: our mysterious universe; the human body; the secrets of nature; our changing planet; the everyday world, and the marvels of science and technology. This book will help you keep up with new phenomena and new technology and learn to understand the world around you in a fun and engaging way. Lavishly illustrated, this book is a fund of accessible information for all the family.
The Secret Of Water - Thryft
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Masaru Emoto | Simon & Schuster Ltd

The Secret Of Water

$3.88 from $2.72 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.81

$3.88 from $2.72 30% off

80% off est. retail

Out of stock

"The Secret of Water" could be a good read for those who are interested in the power and hidden messages within nature. Masaru Emoto's unique approach of using photography and spiritual thinking to understand the impact of our actions on environment can be intriguing for readers. The book's easy-to-understand guide and attractive packaging also make it a great choice for children curious about nature and the environment.
Almanac Of Geography National Geographic - Thryft
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Roger M. Downs | National Geographic Society

Almanac Of Geography National Geographic

from $13.65

Goodreads rating: 4.28

from $13.65

Out of stock

The Almanac of Geography National Geographic would be an excellent read for anyone who wishes to explore the world in detail. It provides insights into various aspects of geography such as physical geography and human geography. The book contains impressive illustrations, photographs, and charts that make it engaging to read. It is an excellent resource for individuals who are curious about environmental hazards, the global economy, and cultural identities. Furthermore, the book features a comprehensive flags-and-facts section with the flag of every nation, its capital, language, and economy.
IStorm - Thryft
Sold out
Anita Ganeri | Carlton Kids

IStorm

$3.88 from $2.72 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$3.88 from $2.72 30% off

Out of stock

iStorm is perfect for children and adults alike who are interested in the causes and effects of extreme weather events. The interactive app brings these events to life through augmented reality while also providing educational information about them. It's a unique and exciting experience that combines technology with science education.
Aluminum Dreams : The Making of Light Modernity - Thryft
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Mimi Sheller | The Mit Press

Aluminum Dreams : The Making of Light Modernity

from $3.89

Goodreads rating: 3.83

from $3.89

Out of stock

How aluminum enabled a high-speed, gravity-defying American modernity even as other parts of the world paid the price in environmental damage and political turmoil. Aluminum shaped the twentieth century. It enabled high-speed travel and gravity-defying flight. It was the material of a streamlined aesthetic that came to represent modernity. And it became an essential ingredient in industrial and domestic products that ranged from airplanes and cars to designer chairs and artificial Christmas trees. It entered modern homes as packaging, foil, pots and pans and even infiltrated our bodies through food, medicine, and cosmetics. In Aluminum Dreams , Mimi Sheller describes how the materiality and meaning of aluminum transformed modern life and continues to shape the world today. Aluminum, Sheller tells us, changed mobility and mobilized modern life. It enabled air power, the space age and moon landings. Yet, as Sheller makes clear, aluminum was important not only in twentieth-century technology, innovation, architecture, and design but also in underpinning global military power, uneven development, and crucial environmental and health concerns. Sheller describes aluminum's shiny utopia but also its dark side. The unintended consequences of aluminum's widespread use include struggles for sovereignty and resource control in Africa, India, and the Caribbean; the unleashing of multinational corporations; and the pollution of the earth through mining and smelting (and the battle to save it). Using a single material as an entry point to understanding a global history of modernization and its implications for the future, Aluminum Dreams forces us to How do we assemble the material culture of modernity and what are its environmental consequences? Aluminum Dreams includes a generous selection of striking images of iconic aluminum designs, many in color, drawn from advertisements by Alcoa, Bohn, Kaiser, and other major corporations, pamphlets, films, and exhibitions.
Sync : The Emerging Science of Spontaneous Order - Thryft
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Steven H. Strogatz | Penguin Books, Limited (uk)

Sync : The Emerging Science of Spontaneous Order

$6.95 from $4.86 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.07

$6.95 from $4.86 30% off

69% off est. retail

Out of stock

'Sync' is a perfect read for those interested in understanding complex mathematical themes such as self-organisation and spontaneous emergence of order out of chaos. The author seamlessly connects various applications to exemplify this theme, including human sleep and circadian rhythms, heart arrhythmias, and secret codes. The book has the potential to blow your mind and is highly recommended for those looking for some intellectual challenge.
Painless Earth Science - Thryft
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Edward J. Denecke Jr. | Barrons Educational Services

Painless Earth Science

from $5.86

Goodreads rating: 3.71

from $5.86

74% off est. retail

Out of stock

This book is perfect for middle and high school students who find Earth science boring or confusing. It presents the subject matter in an engaging and humorous way, using fun-learning exercises like puzzles, games, and challenging Brain Tickler problems to solve. The book takes a light-hearted approach to earth sciences and focuses on the exciting revolution of our understanding of Earth's processes.
The Weather And Climate Of Singapore - Thryft
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Micheline Fong, Ng Loke Koon  | Meteorological Service Singapore

The Weather And Climate Of Singapore

from $6.34

Goodreads rating: 4.5

from $6.34

Out of stock

If you've ever been fascinated by the unique weather patterns of Singapore, "The Weather and Climate of Singapore" is the perfect book for you. Written by Ms Micheline Fong, a senior meteorologist from the Meteorological Service Singapore, this book delves into the characteristics of the monsoon seasons, explains different types of clouds, and explores local weather phenomena like thunderstorms and lightning. Packed with fascinating details and insights, this book will help you appreciate and understand the weather systems that influence our lives in Singapore. Get ready to be captivated by the diversity of Singapore's weather!
The Edge Of The Sky - All You Need To Know About The All-There-Is - Thryft
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Roberto Trotta | Basic Books

The Edge Of The Sky - All You Need To Know About The All-There-Is

from $2.02

Goodreads rating: 3.44

from $2.02

Out of stock

From the big bang to black holes, from dark matter to dark energy, from the origins of the universe to its ultimate destiny, The Edge of the Sky tells the story of the most important discoveries and mysteries in modern cosmology -- with a twist. The book's lexicon is limited to the thousand most common words in the English language, excluding physics , energy , galaxy , or even universe . Through the eyes of a fictional scientist (Student-People) hunting for dark matter with one of the biggest telescopes (Big-Seers) on Earth (Home-World), cosmologist Roberto Trotta explores the most important ideas about our universe (All-there-is) in language simple enough for anyone to understand.A unique blend of literary experimentation and science popularization, this delightful book is a perfect gift for any aspiring astronomer. The Edge of the Sky tells the story of the universe on a human scale, and the result is out of this world.
Minerals - Thryft
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Roberto Appiani, Alessandro Guastoni  | Firefly Books

Minerals

from $6.87

Goodreads rating: 3.2

from $6.87

Out of stock

Excerpted from the Mineralogy is the science of minerals. To the uninitiated, mineralogy can appear to be a very complicated subject. Many of the disciplines that form its core, such as chemistry, crystallography, physics and mathematics, can constitute forbidding barriers to understanding this fascinating natural science. This book endeavors to eliminate such barriers and to accompany the reader seeking to enter the world of minerals. The primary goals of this introduction are to illustrate some of the principal properties of minerals, present the modern tools used in their study, describe the natural environments in which minerals are formed, and explain the criteria by which minerals are classified. The main section of this book is an illustrated guide to 288 mineral species, all of them illustrated with unique photographs taken by nature photographer Roberto Appiani. Special thanks go to Dr. Federico Pezzotta, Curator of Mineralogy and Petrography at the Museum of Natural History in Milan, Italy, who wrote the section of this introduction that deals with the environments in which minerals are formed. Minerals are crystalline substances that are found in their natural state. Minerals are familiar to everyone, as they compose the rocks and mountains around us, as well as the sand on our beaches and the soil in our gardens. Many of the products we use every day are composed of toothpaste, for example, contains microcrystals of mica, calcite and fluorite, while detergents contain such mineral additives as calcite, dolomite, clays and zeolites. Minerals are components of meteorites and planets, while gemstones are nothing more than rough fragments of crystals, unusually transparent or colorful, that have been cut to emphasize their brilliance and transparency. Minerals have always had great importance in our world; from the dawn of history, each step in mankind's development can be measured by the use of metals. Today, minerals are the principal elements of steel and special alloys, and are integral to electronic and communication devices; they ace also used in the space industry and in the manufacture of a great many everyday items. The science of mineralogy came into being in relatively recent times. In order to understand the scientific criteria that governs its principles, one needs to trace the most important steps along its path over the centuries. The oldest use of minerals is related to primitive humans used natural pigments, hematite reds and manganese oxide blacks, to paint the walls of the caves in which they lived. About 5,000 years ago, the Egyptians were making objects from precious metals, using such colored minerals as malachite, lazurite and the emerald variety of beryl. The first texts to deal with mineralogical subjects were those of the Greek Theophrastus, around 370 B.C., and Pliny the Elder 400 years later. With Historio Naturalis , Pliny describes the perfect geometric shapes of crystals, laying the basis for the science of mineralogy. However, it is the German physician and scientist Georgius Agricola who is considered the father of mineralogy. In De Re Metallica ("On Metals"), first printed in 1556, Agricola describes the mining practices of his day in great detail, especially the techniques for exploiting and refining minerals and the procedures involved in the use of fusion to extract metals. Modern crystallography, the study of the forms that compose crystals, was born between the second half of the 1600s and the end of the 1700s, thanks to the contributions of Nicholas Steno, Carangeot and Romé de l'Isle. In 1801, Abbé René-Just Haüy discovered that minerals are composed of countless "molecules" that exactly reproduce the shape of their crystals, anticipating important discoveries that would only be confirmed a century later. During the 19th century, numerous scientists investigated the chemistry of minerals, among them Swedish chemist Jöns Jakob Berzelius, who established the princip1es of modern mineral classification. The beginning of the 20th century marks a fundamental step in the history of mineralogy, with the dlscovecy of the structure of minerals by German physicist Max von Laue in 1912. Experiments performed using X-rays proved for the first time that minerals are composed of atoms precisely arranged according to exact rules. In the early 1960s, electronic microprobe analysis made possible the study of the chemical composition of minerals, and in comparatively short periods of time, enabled accurate chemical analysis of mineral fragments of even the smallest size (down to 4/100,000 of an inch or 0.001 mm). In the early 1970s, another highly advanced instrument, the transmission electron microscope, went into common use in laboratories and universities (at least those able to afford its high cost). Capable of magnifying millions of times, this tool opened a new frontier in mineralogy, allowing the direct observation of the atoms and the structures that compose minerals.
Introduction to the Physics of Cohesive Sediment Dynamics in the Marine Environment: Volume 56 - Thryft
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Johan C. Winterwerp | Elsevier Science

Introduction to the Physics of Cohesive Sediment Dynamics in the Marine Environment: Volume 56

$9.25 from $3.98 57% off

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$9.25 from $3.98 57% off

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This book is an introduction to the physical processes of cohesive sediment in the marine environment. It focuses on highly dynamic systems, such as estuaries and coastal seas. Processes on the continental shelf are also discussed and attention is given to the effects of chemistry, biology and gas.The process descriptions are based on hydrodynamic and soil mechanic principles, which integrate at the soil-water interface. This approach is substantiated through a classification scheme of sediment occurrences in which distinction is made between cohesive and granular material. Emphasis is also placed on the important interactions between turbulent flow and cohesive sediment suspensions, and on the impact of flow-induced forces on the stability of the seabed. An overview of literature on cohesive sediment dynamics is presented and a number of new developments are highlighted, in particular in relation to floc formation, settling and sedimentation, consolidation, bed failure and liquefaction and erosion of the bed. Moreover, it presents a summary on methods and techniques to measure the various sediment properties necessary to quantify the various parameters in the physical-mathematical model descriptions. A number of examples and case studies have been included.

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