The European Nitrogen Assessment

The European Nitrogen Assessment
Author: Mark A. Sutton
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 665
Release: 2011-04-14
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1139501372

Presenting the first continental-scale assessment of reactive nitrogen in the environment, this book sets the related environmental problems in context by providing a multidisciplinary introduction to the nitrogen cycle processes. Issues of upscaling from farm plot and city to national and continental scales are addressed in detail with emphasis on opportunities for better management at local to global levels. The five key societal threats posed by reactive nitrogen are assessed, providing a framework for joined-up management of the nitrogen cycle in Europe, including the first cost-benefit analysis for different reactive nitrogen forms and future scenarios. Incorporating comprehensive maps, a handy technical synopsis and a summary for policy makers, this landmark volume is an essential reference for academic researchers across a wide range of disciplines, as well as stakeholders and policy makers. It is also a valuable tool in communicating the key environmental issues and future challenges to the wider public.

Thriving on Our Changing Planet

Thriving on Our Changing Planet
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 717
Release: 2019-01-20
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309467578

We live on a dynamic Earth shaped by both natural processes and the impacts of humans on their environment. It is in our collective interest to observe and understand our planet, and to predict future behavior to the extent possible, in order to effectively manage resources, successfully respond to threats from natural and human-induced environmental change, and capitalize on the opportunities â€" social, economic, security, and more â€" that such knowledge can bring. By continuously monitoring and exploring Earth, developing a deep understanding of its evolving behavior, and characterizing the processes that shape and reshape the environment in which we live, we not only advance knowledge and basic discovery about our planet, but we further develop the foundation upon which benefits to society are built. Thriving on Our Changing Planet presents prioritized science, applications, and observations, along with related strategic and programmatic guidance, to support the U.S. civil space Earth observation program over the coming decade.

Clean Coastal Waters

Clean Coastal Waters
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 422
Release: 2000-08-17
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309069483

Environmental problems in coastal ecosystems can sometimes be attributed to excess nutrients flowing from upstream watersheds into estuarine settings. This nutrient over-enrichment can result in toxic algal blooms, shellfish poisoning, coral reef destruction, and other harmful outcomes. All U.S. coasts show signs of nutrient over-enrichment, and scientists predict worsening problems in the years ahead. Clean Coastal Waters explains technical aspects of nutrient over-enrichment and proposes both immediate local action by coastal managers and a longer-term national strategy incorporating policy design, classification of affected sites, law and regulation, coordination, and communication. Highlighting the Gulf of Mexico's "Dead Zone," the Pfiesteria outbreak in a tributary of Chesapeake Bay, and other cases, the book explains how nutrients work in the environment, why nitrogen is important, how enrichment turns into over-enrichment, and why some environments are especially susceptible. Economic as well as ecological impacts are examined. In addressing abatement strategies, the committee discusses the importance of monitoring sites, developing useful models of over-enrichment, and setting water quality goals. The book also reviews voluntary programs, mandatory controls, tax incentives, and other policy options for reducing the flow of nutrients from agricultural operations and other sources.

Biophysical and Biochemical Characterization and Plant Species Studies

Biophysical and Biochemical Characterization and Plant Species Studies
Author: Prasad S. Thenkabail
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 385
Release: 2018-12-07
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0429775229

Written by leading global experts, including pioneers in the field, the four-volume set on Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of Vegetation, Second Edition, reviews existing stateof- the-art knowledge, highlights advances made in different areas, and provides guidance for the appropriate use of hyperspectral data in the study and management of agricultural crops and natural vegetation. Hyperspectral remote sensing or imaging spectroscopy data has been increasingly used in studying and assessing the biophysical and biochemical properties of agricultural crops and natural vegetation. Volume III, Biophysical and Biochemical Characterization and Plant Species Studies demonstrates the methods that are developed and used to study terrestrial vegetation using hyperspectral data. This volume includes extensive discussions on hyperspectral data processing and how to implement data processing mechanisms for specific biophysical and biochemical applications such as crop yield modeling, crop biophysical and biochemical property characterization, and crop moisture assessments. The concluding chapter provides readers with useful guidance on the highlights and essence of Volume III through the editors’ perspective. Key Features of Volume III: Covers recent abilities to better quantify, model, and map plant biophysical, biochemical water, and structural properties. Demonstrates characteristic hyperspectral properties through plant diagnostics or throughput phenotyping of plant biophysical, biochemical, water, and structural properties. Establishes plant traits through hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy data as well as its integration with other data, such as LiDAR, using data from various platforms (ground-based, UAVs, and earth-observing satellites). Studies photosynthetic efficiency and plant health and stress through hyperspectral narrowband vegetation indices. Uses hyperspectral data to discriminate plant species and\or their types as well as their characteristics, such as growth stages. Compares studies of plant species of agriculture, forests, and other land use\land cover as established by hyperspectral narrowband data versus multispectral broadband data. Discusses complete solutions from methods to applications, inventory, and modeling considering various platform (e.g., earth-observing satellites, UAVs, handheld spectroradiometers) from where the data is gathered. Dwells on specific applications to detect and map invasive species by using hyperspectral data.

Grand Challenges in Environmental Sciences

Grand Challenges in Environmental Sciences
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 107
Release: 2001-05-24
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0309072549

Scientists have long sought to unravel the fundamental mysteries of the land, life, water, and air that surround us. But as the consequences of humanity's impact on the planet become increasingly evident, governments are realizing the critical importance of understanding these environmental systemsâ€"and investing billions of dollars in research to do so. To identify high-priority environmental science projects, Grand Challenges in Environmental Sciences explores the most important areas of research for the next generation. The book's goal is not to list the world's biggest environmental problems. Rather it is to determine areas of opportunity thatâ€"with a concerted investmentâ€"could yield significant new findings. Nominations for environmental science's "grand" challenges were solicited from thousands of scientists worldwide. Based on their responses, eight major areas of focus were identifiedâ€"areas that offer the potential for a major scientific breakthrough of practical importance to humankind, and that are feasible if given major new funding. The book further pinpoints four areas for immediate action and investment.

Priorities for Coastal Ecosystem Science

Priorities for Coastal Ecosystem Science
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 117
Release: 1995-02-17
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0309050960

This book describes critical environmental issues that face coastal ocean and Great Lakes areas, including eutrophication, habitat modification, hydrologic and hydrodynamic disruption, exploitation of resources, toxic effects on ecosystems and humans, introduction of nonindigenous species, global climate change and variability, and shoreline erosion and hazardous storms. These issues can be approached through science activities (including research, monitoring, and modeling) discussed in this book and through coordination among federal agencies.