Updated throughout with the latest data and findings, the second edition of Essentials of Geochemistry provides students with a foundation in geochemistry and an introduction to the approaches used in modern geochemical analysis. The text uses a "concepts of chemical equilibrium" approach, which considers the reactions that occur as a result of changes in heat production and pressure within the Earth, to introduce students to the basic geochemical principles. This text is suited to those who want a quantitative treatment that integrates the principles of thermodynamics, solution chemistry, and kinetics into the study of Earth processes. This timely text contains numerous examples and problems sets, which use SUPCRT92, to allow students to test their understanding of thermodynamic theory and maximize their comprehension of this prominent field. New sections introduce current "hot" topics such as global geochemical change with the short- and long-term carbon cycle, carbon isotopes and the Permo-Triassic extinction event, kinetics and the origin of life, and the use of boron and nitrogen isotopes. Essentials of Geochemistry, Second Edition is intended for introductory geochemistry courses. It is also an excellent resource for academic and industrial geologists and geochemists. (c) 2009 797 pages