Promotions - Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles 2017 -

Abzalov, an experienced geologist, offers a wide-ranging, intensely practical volume that succinctly covers the basic sciences and methodologies of the evaluation and development of ore deposits in modern times. The work is organized into major sections: "Mine Design, Mine Mapping, and Sampling," "Sampling Errors," "Mineral Resources," "Applied Mining Geostatistics," "Estimating Uncertainty," "Classification," and "Mineral Deposit Types." The most prominent educational element of this book is the numerous high-grade illustrations, which include maps, graphs, photographs, etc.--these add tremendous value to the work. Throughout the volume, Abzalov utilizes examples of mining activity from the international mining industry; these examples include many select case histories. Every chapter abounds with pertinent references. The book also includes several appendixes and an index. This reviewer recommends that no student or professional within the modern mining industry (whether scientist or business worker) should be without ready access to this essential reference volume.Summing Up: Essential. Lower-division undergraduates and above; faculty and professionals.

In this title, Hay (emer., Univ. of Colorado) has extraordinarily combined science, art, and humor to provide a thorough, accessible account of the history of climate science. Similar to the first edition (CH, Sep'13, 51-0297), this is a long book (over 800 pages), but it could simultaneously serve as a reference for students studying any aspect of natural science or as a thorough introduction to climate science for individuals with basic scientific knowledge. Perhaps most important, this book demonstrates that current understanding of climate variability and change is based on centuries of discoveries in climate science and related disciplines and that many of the changes that humans are now experiencing were first considered in the 18th and 19th centuries. The scope and presentation style make this a recommended title for experts interested in learning more outside of their areas of knowledge, students interested in a nontechnical perspective on climate science, or general readers seeking reliable climate science information. The larger book size, relative to the first edition, makes enjoying the many insightful graphics easier.Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.

Benjamin Franklin best described the curse of groundwater: "When the well is dry, we know the worth of water." W. M. Alley, director of science and technology for the National Ground Water Association, and R. Alley, a veteran science writer, present a highly readable and thorough account of the challenges of protecting and using groundwater around the world. In a series of chapters and with case studies from the US, Canada, Australia, India, and Africa, the authors describe the serious nature of groundwater problems. They discuss issues pertaining to the availability and quality of groundwater, as well as the impact of groundwater on streamflow, land subsidence, ecosystem protection, women's inequality, and energy sources. In addition, the authors introduce several people around the world who are working hard to make sure that this vital resource is protected. This book should be required reading at all levels. Clean drinking water is a human right. Humans need to do the utmost to protect water, and the first step is to know more about it. High and Dry is the perfect introductory book on the topic.Summing Up: Essential. All readers.