Geochemistry: Pathways and Processes / Edition 2

by Harry McSween, Steven Richardson, Maria Uhle

Overview

Written expressly for undergraduate and graduate geologists, this book focuses on how geochemical principles can be used to solve practical problems. The attention to problem-solving reflects the authors'belief that showing how theory is useful in solving real-life problems is vital for learning. The book gives students a thorough grasp of the basic principles of the subject, balancing the traditional equilibrium perspective and the kinetic viewpoint.

The first half of the book considers processes in which temperature and pressure are nearly constant. After introductions to the laws of thermodynamics, to fundamental equations for flow and diffusion, and to solution chemistry, these principles are used to investigate diagenesis, weathering, and natural waters. The second half of the book applies thermodynamics and kinetics to systems undergoing changes in temperature and pressure during magmatism and metamorphism. This revised edition incorporates new geochemical discoveries as examples of processes and pathways, with new chapters on mineral structure and bonding and on organic matter and biomarkers. Each chapter has worked problems, and the authors assume that the student has had a year of college-level chemistry and a year of calculus.

Praise for the first edition

"A truly modern geochemistry book.... Very well written and quite enjoyable to read.... An excellent basic text for graduate level instruction in geochemistry." —Journal of Geological Education

"An up-to-date, broadly conceived introduction to geochemistry.... Given the recent flowering of geochemistry as an interdisciplinary science, and given the extent to which it now draws upon the fundamentals of thermodynamics and kinetics to understand earth and planetary processes, this timely and rigorous [book] is welcome indeed." —Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231124409
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	11/19/2003
Edition description:	second edition
Pages:	432
Sales rank:	827,762
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Harry Y. McSween, Jr., is a former chair of the department of geological sciences and Distinguished Professor of Science at the University of Tennessee.

Steven M. Richardson is vice president for academic affairs at Winona State University in Minnesota.

Maria E. Uhle is Jones Assistant Professor of Organic Geochemistry at the University of Tennessee.

Table of Contents

Preface
1. Introducing Concepts in Geochemical Systems
2. How Elements Behave
3. A First Look at Thermodynamic Equilibrium
4. How to Handle Solutions
5. Diageneis: A Study in Kinetics
6. Organic Matter and Biomarkers: A Different Perspective
7. Chemical Weathering: Dissolution and Redox Processes
8. The Oceans and Atmosphere as a Geochemical System
9. Temperature and Pressure Changes: Themodynamics Again
10. Picturing Equilibria: Phase Diagrams
11. Kinetics and Crystallization
12. The Solid Earth as a Geochemical System
13. Using Stable Isotopes
14. Using Radioactive Isotopes
15. Stretching Our Horizons: Cosmochemistry
Appendix A: Mathematical Methods
Appendix B: Finding and Evaluating Geochemical Data
Appendix C: Numerical Values of Geochemical Interest
Glossary
Index

What People are Saying About This

Stephen A. Macko

This revised text is expanded and updated from the first edition. It broadly introduces fundamental aspects of the wide spectrum of science we know as the field of geochemistry. It has been nicely adapted for use by advanced undergraduate and entering graduate students desiring an understanding of the principles and wide-ranging topics of the field.

— Stephen A. Macko, Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia

Editorial Reviews

I would happily recommend this book as a wide-ranging introduction to the subject.

Geological Magazine - Mike Fowler

I would happily recommend this book as a wide-ranging introduction to the subject.

— Mike Fowler

Geological Magazine