This unique book presents a learn-by-doing introduction to geostatistics. Geostatistics provides the essential numerical tools for addressing research problems that are encountered in fields of study such as geology, engineering, and the earth sciences. Illustrating key methods through both theoretical and practical exercises, Solved Problems in Geostatistics is a valuable and well-organized collection of worked-out problems that allow the reader to master the statistical techniques for modeling data in the geological sciences. The book's scope of coverage begins with the elements from statistics and probability that form the foundation of most geostatistical methodologies, such as declustering, debiasing methods, and Monte Carlo simulation. Next, the authors delve into three fundamental areas in conventional geostatistics: covariance and variogram functions; kriging; and Gaussian simulation. Finally, special topics are introduced through problems involving utility theory, loss functions, and multiple-point geostatistics. Each topic is treated in the same clearly organized format. First, an objective presents the main concepts that will be established in the section. Next, the background and assumptions are outlined, supplying the comprehensive foundation that is necessary to begin work on the problem. A solution plan demonstrates the steps and considerations that have to be taken when working with the exercise, and the solution allows the reader to check their work. Finally, a remarks section highlights the overarching principles and noteworthy aspects of the problem. Additional exercises are available via a related Web site, which also includes data related to the book problems and software programs that facilitate their resolution. Enforcing a truly hands-on approach to the topic, Solved Problems in Geostatistics is an indispensable supplement for courses on geostatistics and spatial statistics a the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels.It also serves as an applied reference for practicing professionals in the geosciences.

To honour the remarkable contribution of Michel David in the inception, establishment and development of Geostatistics, and to promote the essence of his work, an international Forum entitled Geostatistics for the Next Century was convened in Montreal in June 1993. In order to enhance communication and stimulate geostatistical innovation, research and development, the Forum brought together world leading researchers and practitioners from five continents, who discussed-debated current problems, new technologies and futuristic ideas. This volume contains selected peer-reviewed papers from the Forum, together with comments by participants and replies by authors. Although difficult to capture the spontaneity and range of a debate, comments and replies should further assist in the promotion of ideas, dialogue and criticism, and are consistent with the spirit of the Forum. The contents of this volume are organized following the Forum's thematic sessions. The role of theme sessions was not only to stress important topics of tOday but in addition, to emphasize common ground held among diverse areas of geostatistical work and the need to strengthen communication between these areas. For this reason, any given section of this book may include papers from theory to applications, in mining, petroleum, environment, geohydrology, image processing.

Terrestrial mass movements (i.e. cliff collapses, soil creeps, mudflows, landslides etc.) are severe forms of natural disasters mostly occurring in mountainous terrain, which is subjected to specific geological, geomorphological and climatological conditions, as well as to human activities. It is a challenging task to accurately define the position, type and activity of mass movements for the purpose of creating inventory records and potential vulnerability maps. Remote sensing techniques, in combination with Geographic Information System tools, allow state-of-the-art investigation of the degree of potential mass movements and modeling surface processes for hazard and risk mapping. Similarly, through statistical prediction models, future mass-movement-prone areas can be identified and damages can to a certain extent be minimized. Issues of scale and selection of morphological attributes for the scientific analysis of mass movements call for new developments in data modeling and spatio-temporal GIS analysis. The book is a product of a cooperation between the editors and several contributing authors, addressing current issues and recent developments in GI technology and mass movements research. Its fundamental treatment of this technology includes data modeling, topography, geology, geomorphology, remote sensing, artificial neural networks, binomial regression, fuzzy logic, spatial statistics and analysis, and scientific visualization. Both theoretical and practical issues are addressed.

Spotlighting the field of Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO), this book illustrates and implements state-of-the-art methodologies within the complex process of aerospace system design under uncertainties. The book provides approaches to integrating a multitude of components and constraints with the ultimate goal of reducing design cycles. Insights on a vast assortment of problems are provided, including discipline modeling, sensitivity analysis, uncertainty propagation, reliability analysis, and global multidisciplinary optimization. The extensive range of topics covered include areas of current open research. This Work is destined to become a fundamental reference for aerospace systems engineers, researchers, as well as for practitioners and engineers working in areas of optimization and uncertainty. Part I is largely comprised of fundamentals. Part II presents methodologies for single discipline problems with a review of existing uncertainty propagation, reliability analysis, and optimization techniques. Part III is dedicated to the uncertainty-based MDO and related issues. Part IV deals with three MDO related issues: the multifidelity, the multi-objective optimization and the mixed continuous/discrete optimization and Part V is devoted to test cases for aerospace vehicle design.

Collection of papers presented at the Colloquium, covering the broad subject areas of spatial data integration, statistical analysis of geoscience data, and quantitative stratigraphy. Working Group reports are included as well.

Statistical Methods for Spatial and Spatio-Temporal Data Analysis provides a complete range of spatio-temporal covariance functions and discusses ways of constructing them. This book is a unified approach to modeling spatial and spatio-temporal data together with significant developments in statistical methodology with applications in R. This book includes: Methods for selecting valid covariance functions from the empirical counterparts that overcome the existing limitations of the traditional methods. The most innovative developments in the different steps of the kriging process. An up-to-date account of strategies for dealing with data evolving in space and time. An accompanying website featuring R code and examples