Macro-Engineering: A Challenge for the Future

ISBN-13: 9789048169481 / Angielski / Miękka / 2010 / 318 str.

V. Badescu; R. B. Cathcart; R. D. Schuiling

Opis

Macro-engineering involves the large-scale modification and manipulation of natural systems for the benefit of mankind. The primary goals of some Earth-based macroprojects described in this book are power production, land reclamation, food production, climate change, environment, water, transport and coastal protection. Other Earth or space projects considered here have a more futuristic ring, but our present-day technical skill makes their realization possible. Earth-based macroprojects usually combine different aspects and aims. They have a major impact on the ecology of a region and the inhabitant's means of living (like tourism, fishing, shipping). Its effects may be felt worldwide, like the rise in global sea level after the damming and evaporation of large ocean gulfs for power production, or the change in climate following the regional reduction of solar insolation.

Spis treści

Dedication Contributing Authors Preface Foreword Acknowledgments Geo-Engineering and Energy Production in the 21st Century / Richard Brook Cathcart and Viorel Badescu Mineral Sequestration Of Co2 And Recovery Of The Heat Of Reaction / Roelof Dirk Schuiling Large-Scale Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) Technology / Evert H. du Marchie van Voorthuysen Wind Parks, Mariculture, Nutrients from Organic Waste Streams, CO2 Sequestration: A Fruitful Combination? / Roelof D. Schuiling and Gerrit Oudakker A Macro-Project to Reduce Hurricane Intensity and Slow Global Sea Level Rise / Richard LaRosa Mitigation of Anthropogenic Climate Change via a Macro-Engineering Scheme: Climate Modeling Results / Govindasamy Bala and Ken Caldeira A Dual Use for Space Solar Power / Ross N. Hoffman, John M. Henderson, George Modica, S. Mark Leidner, Christopher Grassotti and Thomas Nehrkorn Space Towers / Alexander A. Bolonkin Extreme Climate Control Membrane Structures / Richard B. Cathcart and Milan M. Cirkovic Cable Anti-Gravitator, Electrostatic Levitation and Artificial Gravity / Alexander A. Bolonkin Planetary Macro-Engineering Using Orbiting Solar Reflectors / Colin R McInnes Stellar Engines and the Controlled Movement of the Sun / Viorel Badescu and Richard B. Cathcart Macro-Engineering in the Galactic Context / Milan M. Cirkovic Index

Blurb

Macro-engineering involves the large-scale modification and manipulation of natural systems for the benefit of mankind. The primary goals of some Earth-based macroprojects described in this book are power production, land reclamation, food production, climate change, environment, water, transport and coastal protection. Other Earth or space projects considered here have a more futuristic ring, but our present-day technical skill makes their realization possible. Earth-based macroprojects usually combine different aspects and aims. They have a major impact on the ecology of a region and the inhabitants' means of living (like tourism, fishing, shipping). Its effects may be felt worldwide, like the rise in global sea level after the damming and evaporation of large ocean gulfs for power production, or the change in climate following the regional reduction of solar insolation.

Audience: This book will be of interest to researchers involved in macroprojects and students of Natural Sciences and Engineering.