The Weathering

This book aims to further a better understanding of such mechanisms, and it is thus destined for an audience of ecologists, pedologists, agronomists and other researchers involved in earth surface science

This book introduces the concept of 'biological weathering.' Weathering, especially chemical weathering, has been recognized as one of the most important processes on Earth because it influences the circulation of elements, including carbon. Weathering has almost always been considered an abiotic process. The book describes the author’s experiments, proving that plant involvement in weathering is a strategy for plants to ingest nutrients from rocks. It is also shown through cultivation experiments and observation of natural diatoms that diatoms and silica obligate plankton dissolve silicate minerals and incorporate silicon and other elements into their frustules. The weathering reaction has also been successfully applied to the previously unexplained relationship between carbon and silica in the ocean’s interior.

This book introduces the concept of 'biological weathering.' Weathering, especially chemical weathering, has been recognized as one of the most important processes on Earth because it influences the circulation of elements, including carbon. Weathering has almost always been considered an abiotic process. The book describes the author’s experiments, proving that plant involvement in weathering is a strategy for plants to ingest nutrients from rocks. It is also shown through cultivation experiments and observation of natural diatoms that diatoms and silica obligate plankton dissolve silicate minerals and incorporate silicon and other elements into their frustules. The weathering reaction has also been successfully applied to the previously unexplained relationship between carbon and silica in the ocean’s interior.

This book presents the state of the art on the weathering of polymers and plastic materials in outdoor applications, comprising natural weathering, accelerated climatic weathering, laboratory artificial accelerated weathering, and lifetime prediction methodology. It summarizes the most suitable methods of instrumental analysis to access and quantify (when possible) degradation caused by weathering, while also covering the degradation and stabilization of polymers based on environmental and artificially induced factors. Innovative polymer additives and some developments in polymeric materials designed for outdoor applications are also included, emphasizing a few selected cases. the book intends to be an important reference source for those involved in the study of the durability of polymers and plastics, production of plastics for exterior applications, chemists responsible for quality control of plastic products, and researchers and students across plastics engineering, polymer science, polymer chemistry and environmental science.

Weathering is not just about making something look dirty. Rather, it should be seen as an artistic endeavour, with the aim of making a model appear as lifelike as possible. It also helps to blend a range of separate structures into a cohesive scene. Careful weathering brings out the best in even the most mundane model, drawing attention to moulded relief and enhancing surface textures. In this latest volume, expert modeller George Dent shares his theories and practices on the art of weathering buildings, motor vehicles, ships and all manner of scenic features.