This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of geochemistry. The book first lays out the geochemical toolbox: the basic principles and techniques of modern geochemistry, beginning with a review of thermodynamics and kinetics as they apply to the Earth and its environs.

Table of Contents

• About the companion website
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• 1.1 Geochemistry
• 1.2 This book
• 1.3 The philosophy of science
• 1.4 Elements, atoms, and chemical bonds: some chemical fundamentals
• 1.5 A brief look at the Earth
• References and suggestions for further reading
• Chapter 2: Energy, entropy and fundamental thermodynamic concepts
• 2.1 The thermodynamic perspective
• 2.2 Thermodynamic systems and equilibrium
• 2.3 Equations of state
• 2.4 Temperature, absolute zero, and the zeroth law of thermodynamics
• 2.5 Energy and the first law of thermodynamics
• 2.6 The second law and entropy
• 2.7 Enthalpy
• 2.8 Heat capacity
• 2.9 The third law and absolute entropy
• 2.10 Calculating enthalpy and entropy changes
• 2.11 Free energy
• 2.12 The maxwell relations
• References and suggestions for further reading
• Problems
• Chapter 3: Solutions and thermodynamics of multicomponent systems
• 3.1 Introduction
• 3.2 Phase equilibria
• 3.3 Solutions
• 3.4 Chemical potential
• 3.5 Ideal solutions
• 3.6 Real solutions
• 3.7 Electrolyte solutions
• 3.8 Ideal solutions in crystalline solids and their activities
• 3.9 Equilibrium constants
• 3.10 Practical approach to electrolyte equilibrium
• 3.11 Oxidation and reduction
• References and suggestions for further reading
• Problems
• Chapter 4: Applications of thermodynamics to the Earth
• 4.1 Introduction
• 4.2 Activities in non-ideal solid solutions
• 4.3 Exsolution phenomena
• 4.4 Thermodynamics and phase diagrams
• 4.5 Geothermometry and geobarometry
• 4.6 Thermodynamic models of magmas
• 4.7 Reprise: thermodynamics of electrolyte solutions
• References and suggestions for further reading
• Problems
• Chapter 5: Kinetics: the pace of things
• 5.1 Introduction
• 5.2 Reaction kinetics
• 5.3 Relationships between kinetics and thermodynamics
• 5.4 Diffusion
• 5.5 Surfaces, interfaces, and interface processes
• 5.6 Kinetics of dissolution and leaching
• 5.7 Diagenesis
• References and suggestions for further reading
• Problems
• Chapter 6: Aquatic chemistry
• 6.1 Introduction
• 6.2 Acid–base reactions
• 6.3 Complexation
• 6.4 Dissolution and precipitation reactions
• 6.5 Clays and their properties
• 6.6 Mineral surfaces and their interaction with solutions
• References and suggestions for further reading
• Problems
• Chapter 7: Trace elements in igneous processes
• 7.1 Introduction
• 7.2 Behavior of the elements
• 7.3 Distribution of trace elements between coexisting phases
• 7.4 Factors governing the value of partition coefficients
• 7.5 Crystal-field effects
• 7.6 Trace element distribution during partial melting
• 7.7 Trace element distribution during crystallization
• 7.8 Summary of trace element variations during melting and crystallization
• References and suggestions for further reading
• Problems
• Chapter 8: Radiogenic isotope geochemistry
• 8.1 Introduction
• 8.2 Physics of the nucleus and the structure of nuclei
• 8.3 Basics of radiogenic isotope geochemistry
• 8.4 Decay systems and their applications
• 8.5 Cosmogenic and fossil isotopes
• References and suggestions for further reading
• Problems
• Chapter 9: Stable isotope geochemistry
• 9.1 Introduction
• 9.2 Theoretical considerations
• 9.3 Isotope geothermometry
• 9.4 Isotopic fractionation in the hydrologic system
• 9.5 Isotopic fractionation in biological systems
• 9.6 Paleoclimatology
• 9.7 Hydrothermal systems and ore deposits
• 9.8 Stable isotopes in the mantle and magmatic systems
• 9.9 Isotopes of boron and lithium
• References and suggestions for further reading
• Problems
• Chapter 10: The big picture: cosmochemistry
• 10.1 Introduction
• 10.2 In the beginning … nucleosynthesis
• 10.3 Meteorites: essential clues to the beginning
• 10.4 Time and the isotopic composition of the solar system
• 10.5 Astronomical and theoretical constraints on solar system formation
• 10.6 Building a habitable solar system
• References and suggestions for further reading
• Problems
• Chapter 11: Geochemistry of the solid earth
• 11.1 Introduction
• 11.2 The Earth's mantle
• 11.3 Estimating mantle and bulk earth composition
• 11.4 The Earth's core and its composition
• 11.5 Mantle geochemical reservoirs
• 11.6 The crust
• References and suggestions for further reading
• Problems
• Chapter 12: Organic geochemistry, the carbon cycle, and climate
• 12.1 Introduction
• 12.2 A brief biological background
• 12.3 Organic compounds and their nomenclature
• 12.4 The chemistry of life: important biochemical processes
• 12.5 Organic matter in natural waters and soils
• 12.6 Chemical properties of organic molecules
• 12.7 Sedimentary organic matter and coal and oil formation
• 12.8 Isotope composition of hydrocarbons
• 12.9 The carbon cycle and climate
• References and suggestions for further reading
• Problems
• Appendix