Man’s intensifying use of the Earth’s habitat has led to an urgent need for scientifically advanced ‘geo-prediction systems’ that accurately locate subsurface resources and forecast the timing and magnitude of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and land subsidence. As advances in the earth sciences lead to process-oriented ways of modeling the complex processes in the solid Earth, the papers in this volume provide a survey of some recent developments at the leading edge of this highly technical discipline. The chapters cover current research in predicting the future behavior of geologic systems as well as the mapping of geologic patterns that exist now in the subsurface as frozen evidence of the past. Both techniques are highly relevant to humanity’s need for resources such as water, and will also help us control environmental degradation. The book also discusses advances made in seismological methods to obtain information on the 3D structure of the mantle and the lithosphere, and in the quantitative understanding of lithospheric scale processes. It covers recent breakthroughs in 3D seismic imaging that have enhanced the spatial resolution of these structural processes, and the move towards 4D imaging that measures these processes over time. The new frontier in modern Earth sciences described in this book has major implications for oceanographic and atmospheric sciences and our understanding of climate variability. It brings readers right up to date with the research in this vital field.

Cover Image Credit: Zhaofei Liu and Ying Li From the Institute of Earthquake Forecasting, China

Original research on SHM sensors, quantification strategies, system integration and control for a wide range of engineered materials New applications in robotics, machinery, as well as military aircraft, railroads, highways, bridges, pipelines, stadiums, tunnels, space exploration and energy production Continuing a critical book series on structural health monitoring (SHM), this two-volume set (with full-text searchable CD-ROM) offers, as its subtitle implies, a guide to greater integration and control of SHM systems. Specifically, the volumes contain new research that will enable readers to more efficiently link sensor detection, diagnostics/quantification, overall system functionality, and automated, e.g., robotic, control, thus further closing the loop from inherent signal-based damage detection to responsive real-time maintenance and repair. SHM performance is demonstrated in monitoring the behavior of composites, metals, concrete, polymers and selected nanomaterials in a wide array of surroundings, including harsh environments, under extreme (e.g., seismic) loading and in space. New information on smart sensors and network optimization is enhanced by novel statistical and model-based methods for signal processing and data quantification. A special feature of the book is its explanation of emerging control technologies. Research in these volumes was initially presented in September 2013 at the 9th International Workshop on Structural Health Monitoring (IWSHM), held at Stanford University and sponsored by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Army Research Laboratory, and the Office of Naval Research.

This book gathers selected high-impact articles from the 3rd International Conference on Data Science, Machine Learning & Applications 2021. It highlights the latest developments in the areas of artificial intelligence, machine learning, soft computing, human–computer interaction and various data science and machine learning applications. It brings together scientists and researchers from different universities and industries around the world to showcase a broad range of perspectives, practices and technical expertise.

The study of earthquakes combines science, technology and expertise in infrastructure and engineering in an effort to minimize human and material losses when their occurrence is inevitable. This book is devoted to various aspects of earthquake research and analysis, from theoretical advances to practical applications. Different sections are dedicated to ground motion studies and seismic site characterization, with regard to mitigation of the risk from earthquake and ensuring the safety of the buildings under earthquake loading. The ultimate goal of the book is to encourage discussions and future research to improve hazard assessments, dissemination of earthquake engineering data and, ultimately, the seismic provisions of building codes.

Surveillance Technologies and Early Warning Systems: Data Mining Applications for Risk Detection has never been more important, as the research this book presents an alternative to conventional surveillance and risk assessment. This book is a multidisciplinary excursion comprised of data mining, early warning systems, information technologies and risk management and explores the intersection of these components in problematic domains. It offers the ability to apply the most modern techniques to age old problems allowing for increased effectiveness in the response to future, eminent, and present risk.

The book provides information on the major EEW systems in operation and on the state-of-the-art of the different blocks forming an EW system: the rapid detection and estimation of the earthquake’s focal parameters, the signal transmission, the engineering interface and the information reliability/false alarm problem. It is the first time that so many aspects of EEW systems have been specifically focused upon within a single book.

This volume comprises select papers presented during the Indian Geotechnical Conference 2018. This volume discusses concepts of soil dynamics and studies related to earthquake geotechnical engineering, slope stability, and landslides. The papers presented in this volume analyze failures connected to geotechnical and geological origins to improve professional practice, codes of analysis and design. This volume will prove useful to researchers and practitioners alike.

In the field of natural hazards, communicating science with the public and stakeholders involves entering the challenging and complex world of hazard and risk communication, the ultimate purpose of which is to reduce the impact of impending hazards on people at risk. According to the Sendai Framework 2015-2030, it is important to “strengthen the utilization of media, including social media, traditional media, big data and mobile phone networks, to support national measures for successful disaster risk communication.” Sometimes risk communication has collateral and unexpected side effects that may lead to the adoption of inadequate behaviors. In some instances, this can even result in legal actions being taken against scientists and/or emergency managers. The role of the media should be to facilitate the accurate communication of hazard and risk information, but such communication is often hampered by the fact that journalists have different agendas and priorities than scientists, risk communicators, and emergency managers. This does not always support people in their decision making. Accurate communication of hazard and risk is especially important when decisions have to be made within contexts where uncertainty is very high. This is often the case with geohazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.