Isotopes provide important information on many geological processes, with key relevance to the mining and petroleum industries, yet the techniques to obtain, process and interpret the data can be complex to master. This accessible book provides broad coverage of radiogenic isotopes in geochronology and geochemistry, explaining the basic principles and state-of-the-art techniques used to study them, with an emphasis on industry applications. The major isotopic systems are fully summarised with relation to real-world applications, enabling readers to decide which technique is most relevant for the problem they want to solve, and then to rigorously evaluate existing data, or recalculate and reassess datasets to avoid duplication of effort. A comprehensive glossary clarifies the numerous acronyms used in the field. Written at a level appropriate for advanced undergraduate students, the book also includes detail which allows more experienced practitioners to maximise the potential value of isotopic datasets.
Les mer
Dedication; Preface; Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations and symbols; Part I. 'How': Isotopes and How They Are Measured: 1. Isotopes and geochemistry; 2. Processes; 3. Mass spectrometry; 4. Stable isotopes; 5. Radioactivity, radioactive decay and isotope systems applied in the geosciences; Part II. 'When': Geological Time, Ages and Rates of Geological Phenomena: 6. Underpinnings of geochronology: background and principles; 7. Isochron geochronology; 8. U-Pb and Pb-Pb geochronology; 9. Argon geochronology; Part III. 'Where': Tracking the Course of Material through the Earth: 10. Isotopes as tracers: general principles; 11. Applications of radiogenic tracers; 12. New developments in radiogenic isotopes; Appendix 1. Conversion between weight % oxide and ppm; Appendix 2. Isotopic abundances; Glossary; References; Index.
Les mer
'A delightfully refreshing contribution that transcends the often jargon-rich and elusive field of radiogenic isotope geochemistry. It furnishes a digestible précis of the field, encompassing its theory, methods and real-world applications, and constitutes a perfect addition to the library of the student and well-versed geological professional alike.' Geordie Mark, Head, Mining Research, Haywood Securities Inc., British Columbia
Les mer
An accessible overview of radiogenic isotopes, dataset evaluation and real-world applications for advanced undergraduate students and industry professionals.

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781107039582
Publisert
2016-06-16
Utgiver
Vendor
Cambridge University Press
Vekt
580 gr
Høyde
252 mm
Bredde
179 mm
Dybde
13 mm
Aldersnivå
P, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Innbundet
Antall sider
210

Forfatter

Biographical note

Bruce F. Schaefer is a Senior Lecturer in Isotope Geochemistry at Macquarie University, Sydney. His work uses isotopes to solve a broad range of geological problems by identifying and subsequently applying, or on occasion developing, an appropriate isotopic tracer to solve the issue. His research interests include planetary differentiation, mantle plumes, Precambrian geodynamics and magmatic processes. Dr Schaefer was awarded the Tate Memorial Medal for original research from Adelaide University, where he graduated from. He held positions at the Open University, UK, and Monash University, Australia, before moving to Macquarie. His publications include work on magmatism, Precambrian tectonics, mineralised systems, groundwater, weathering rates, geophysics and meteorites.