Böcker av and Applications Commission on Physical Sciences

Presents an evaluation of the state of knowledge about tectonic events, which includes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and similar events. This book addresses three main topics: the tectonic processes and their rates, methods of identifying and evaluating active tectonics, and the effects of active tectonics on society.

Looks at how mathematical research and methods have made possible discoveries in biology. This volume explores how differential geometry, topology, and differential mechanics have allowed to explore DNA's double helix to understand the phenomenon of supercoiling. It explains how mathematical tools reveal the workings of enzymes and proteins.

The Helium Privatization Act of 1996 (PL 104-273) directs the Department of the Interior to begin liquidating the US Federal Helium Reserve by 2005 in a manner consistent with "minimum market disruption" and at a price given by a formula specified in the act. This report is the product of that mandate.

Operational needs, such as weather forecasting, add a distinct set of requirements for continual and highly reliable monitoring of global conditions. This book confronts these diverse requirements and assesses how they might be met by small satellites.

Provides guidance on effective approaches for building laboratory facilities in the chemical and biochemical sciences. This book contains both basic and laboratory-specific information addressed to the user community - the scientists and administrators who contract with design and construction experts.

In response to the rising concern of the American public over illegal bombings, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms asked the National Research Council to examine mechanisms for reducing this threat. The committee examined four approaches to reducing the bombing threat. This book makes recommendations to reduce criminal bombings.

Assesses the problems relating to petroleum-derived hydrocarbons in the marine environment. This book examines the inputs, analytical methods, fates, and effects of petroleum in the marine environment. It reflects the scientific effort put forth in determining the effects of petroleum on marine organisms.

Documents the key research challenges in the mathematical sciences and physics that enables the economical development of novel biomedical imaging devices. This book introduces the frontiers of biomedical imaging, especially the imaging of dynamic physiological functions, to the educated nonspecialist.

Explores the research interface between computational chemistry and the mathematical sciences. Useful for non-specialists, this book documents some prominent examples of successful cross-fertilizations between the fields and explores the mathematical research opportunities in a cross-section of chemical research frontiers.

Describes the relationship between plasma processes and industrial applications, examines plasma processing in the electronics industry, highlights the scientific foundation underlying this technology, and discusses education issues in this field. This title recommends a coordinated, focused, and well-funded research program in this area.

Summarizes the major questions in solar physics theory and observations, and proposes recommendations. This study addresses institutional issues as the role of the universities in the national solar observations, structural barriers to careers in solar physics, and the leadership role of federal funding agencies for ground-based solar research.

Ozone depletion in the stratosphere and increases in greenhouse gases in the troposphere are both subjects of growing concern. This volume presents the data and theories available on ozone depletion, greenhouse gases, and climatic change, and addresses the question: What is the understanding of the processes that destroy ozone in the atmosphere?

To complement the knowledge on the physical aspects of radioactive waste disposal, this report identifies the socioeconomic and institutional; and policy issues that must be addressed in implementing the Nuclear Waste Policy Act. It also addresses site location, transportation modes, disposal schedules, regulatory systems, and more.

A set of practical guidelines for handling and disposing of biohazardous material. This volume provides the information needed for immediate improvement of safety practices. It discusses high and low-risk biological agents, presents the "seven basic rules of biosafety," and addresses issues such as the shipping of dangerous materials.