Modern geochemistry aims to provide an accurate description of geological processes, and a set of models and quantitative rules that help predict the evolution of geological systems. This work is an introduction to the mathematical methods of geochemical modeling, largely based on examples presented with full solutions. It shows how geochemical problems, dealing with mass balance, equilibrium, fractionation and dynamics and transport in the igneous, sedimentary and oceanic environments, can be reformulated in terms of equations. Its practical approach then leads to simple but efficient methods of solution. This book should help the motivated reader to overcome the formal difficulties of geochemical modeling, and bring state-of-the-art methods within reach of advanced students in geochemistry and geophysics, as well as in physics and chemistry.

Introducing the essentials of modern geochemistry for students across the Earth and environmental sciences, this new edition emphasises the general principles of this central discipline. Focusing on inorganic chemistry, Francis Albarede's refreshing approach is brought to topics that range from measuring geological time to the understanding of climate change. The author leads the student through the necessary mathematics to understand the quantitative aspects of the subject in an easily understandable manner. The early chapters cover the principles and methods of physics and chemistry that underlie geochemistry, to build the students' understanding of concepts such as isotopes, fractionation, and mixing. These are then applied across many of the environments on Earth, including the solid Earth, rivers, and climate, and then extended to processes on other planets. Three new chapters have been added - on stable isotopes, biogeochemistry, and environmental geochemistry. End-of-chapter student exercises, with solutions available online, are also included.

The review chapters collected here were the basis for a two-day short course on nontraditional stable isotopes held in May 2004 in Montreal, Canada.