Cave organisms are the ‘monsters’ of the underground world and studying them invariably raises interesting questions about the ways evolution has equipped them to survive in permanent darkness and low-energy environments. Undertaking ecological studies in caves and other subterranean habitats is not only challenging because they are difficult to access, but also because the domain is so different from what we know from the surface, with no plants at the base of food chains and with a nearly constant microclimate year-round. The research presented here answers key questions such as how a constant environment can produce the enormous biodiversity seen below ground, what adaptations and peculiarities allow subterranean organisms to thrive, and how they are affected by the constraints of their environment. This book is divided into six main parts, which address: the habitats of cave animals; their complex diversity; the environmental factors that support that diversity; individual case studies of cave ecosystems; and of the conservation challenges they face; all of which culminate in proposals for future research directions. Given its breadth of coverage, it offers an essential reference guide for graduate students and established researchers alike.

Iron Ore: Mineralogy, Processing and Environmental Sustainability, Second Edition covers all aspects surrounding the second most important commodity behind oil. As an essential input for the production of crude steel, iron ore feeds the world's largest trillion-dollar-a-year metal market and is the backbone of the global infrastructure. The book explores new ore types and the development of more efficient processes/technologies to minimize environmental footprints. This new edition includes all new case studies and technologies, along with new chapters on the chemical analysis of iron ore, thermal and dry beneficiation of iron ore, and discussions of alternative iron making technologies. In addition, information on recycling solid wastes and P-bearing slag generated in steel mills, sustainable mining, and low emission iron making technologies from regional perspectives, particularly Europe and Japan, are included. This work will be a valuable resource for anyone involved in the iron ore industry. - Provides an overall view of the entire value chain, from iron ore to metal - Includes specific information on process/stage/operation in the value chain - Discusses challenges and developments, along with future trends in the iron ore and steel industries - Incorporates new, sustainable mining techniques

This book addresses the history, current development and future of indigenous self-governance in five settler- colonial nations: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States.