Planning the Use of the Earths Surface [Paperback]

The purpose of this book is to analyse and discuss a seriesof topics related with environmental conservation, land-useplanning and management and impact prevention as seen fromthe perspective of the Earth Sciences, but with an inte-grated, interdisciplinary approach.The contributions included in the book intend to give anoverview of existing problems and trends and to point outcertain lines along which work and/or actions will be par-ticularly needed in the near future. In short, they intendto show where we stand now with regard to those problems andin what direction we should move.Readers will find particularly useful the brief presentationof a variety of important environmental earth science top-ics, the description of the present state of the art and thesuggestions for methodological approaches to solve differentproblems, as well as the guidelines for action presentedthroughout the book.Planning the use of the Earth's surface: An overview.- Methods and approaches of environmental geology mapping: Meeting the planner's requirement.- Geoscientific maps for land-use planning  a review.- Computer-assisted methods for the construction, compilation and display of geoscientific maps.- Geomorphological hazards and environmental impact: Assessment and mapping.- Urban geology: Present trends and problems.- Landslide risk assessment and zoning.- Mapping and modelling quaternary depositional systems to assess groundwater pollution hazards in the glaciated Appalachian region, U.S.A..- Geoenvironmental units as a basis for the assessment, regulation and management of the Earth's surface.- Geochemistry and the environment.- Trace element maps and the regional distribution of human diseases.- Industrial minerals and rocks: Present trends in exploration, exploitation and use.- Mining potential of the inner continental shelf.- Earth science conservation in Europe present activities and recolSç