Cosmochemistry
Cambridge University Press, 4/29/2010
EAN 9780521878623, ISBN10: 0521878624
Hardcover, 568 pages, 24.8 x 20.1 x 3.2 cm
Language: English
How did the Solar System's chemical composition evolve? This textbook provides the answers in the first interdisciplinary introduction to cosmochemistry. It makes this exciting and evolving field accessible to undergraduate and graduate students from a range of backgrounds, including geology, chemistry, astronomy and physics. The authors - two established leaders who have pioneered developments in the field - provide a complete background to cosmochemical processes and discoveries, enabling students outside geochemistry to understand and explore the Solar System's composition. Topics covered include: - synthesis of nuclides in stars - partitioning of elements between solids, liquids and gas in the solar nebula - overviews of the chemistry of extraterrestrial materials - isotopic tools used to investigate processes such as planet accretion and element fractionation - chronology of the early Solar System - geochemical exploration of planets Boxes provide basic definitions and mini-courses in mineralogy, organic chemistry, and other essential background information for students. Review questions and additional reading for each chapter encourage students to explore cosmochemistry further.
Preface
1. Introduction to cosmochemistry
2. Nuclides and elements – the building blocks of matter
3. Origin of the elements
4. Solar System and cosmic abundances – elements and isotopes
5. Presolar grains – a record of stellar nucleosynthesis and processes in interstellar space
6. Meteorites – a record of nebular and planetary processes
7. Cosmochemical and geochemical fractionations
8. Radioisotopes as chronometers
9. Chronology of the early Solar System
10. The most volatile elements and compounds – organic matter, noble gases, and ices
11. Chemistry of anhydrous planetesimals
12. Chemistry of comets and other ice-bearing planetesimals
13. Geochemical exploration of planets – Moon and Mars as case studies
14. Cosmochemical models for the formation of the Solar System
Appendix
some analytical techniques commonly used in cosmochemistry
Index.
'A comprehensive treatment of the field of Cosmochemistry has been lacking and is long overdue. Hap McSween and Gary Huss have written a thorough and thoroughly enjoyable book that fills this gap. A really comprehensive, highly readable and overall first rate book. I highly recommend it to any scientist with interests in the chemistry and origins of solar systems. There is no doubt that I will adopt it for my own graduate course.' Scott M. McLennan, State University of New York, Stony Brook