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Thermodynamics is an important tool to interpreting the conditions at which natural geomaterial equilibrate. It allows one to determine, for example, the equilibrium pressures and temperatures and the nature and chemical composition of phases - volved mineralogical and petrological processes. Simple chemical model systems, which are often studied in the laboratory in order to understand more complicated natural systems, generally consist of few chemical components. In order to use phase equilibrium results obtained from model systems for interpreting the con- tions of formation of natural geologic materials, extrapolations in compositional space and other P-T conditions are often required. This can only be done using the mathematical formalism that is offered by thermodynamics. An number of excellent books on thermodynamics with regards to the fields of mineralogy, petrology and geochemistry have been published over past 40 years. Many of them are, however, written for more advanced students and experienced - searchers and it is often assumed that the reader already possesses some prior knowledge of the subject. Consequently, discussions and presentations of basic c- cepts, which are necessary for beginning students and others attempting to learn thermodynamics for the first time, are often given short shrift. Therefore, the aim of this book is to explain the basic principles of thermodynamics at an introductory l- el, while trying not to loose much of the mathematical rigor that is one of the most important and central aspects of this subject.
List of contents
Definition of thermodynamic terms.- Volume as a state function.- The first law of thermodynamics.- Second law of thermodynamics.- Gibbs free energy and Helmholtz free energy.- Thermal equilibrium.- Chemical reactions.- Geothermometry and geobarometry.
Summary
This advanced-undergraduate and beginning-graduate text book introduces geosciences students to the fundamental principles of thermodynamics that underlie mineralogy and petrology. It is class-tested based in hysical chemistry of minerals and theoretical petrology courses, given by the author over a number of years. Thermodynamic applications to real problems are illustrated through numerous examples taken from the mineralogical literature. In this way, the more abstract nature of thermodynamics is more easily understood. The reader learns how to apply the methods of this discipline to concrete mineralogical and petrologic problems. Although written primarily for graduate students, it is also useful for advanced scientists working in the field of mineralogy, petrology and geology. It may also be interesting for ceramists and materials scientists.
