Read more
The third edition of Radiogenic Isotope Geology examines revolutionary changes in geochemical thinking that have occurred over the past fifteen years. Extinct-nuclide studies on meteorites have called into question fundamental geochemical models of the Earth, while new dating methods have challenged conventional views of Earth history. At the same time, the problem of global warming has raised new questions about the causes of past and present climate change. In the new edition, these and other recent issues are evaluated in their scholarly and historical context, so readers can understand the development of current ideas. Controversial theories, new analytical techniques, classic papers, and illustrative case studies all come under scrutiny in this book, providing an accessible introduction for students and critical commentary for researchers.
List of contents
1. Nucleosynthesis and nuclear decay; 2. Mass spectrometry; 3. The Rb-Sr method; 4. The Sm-Nd method; 5. Lead isotopes; 6. Isotope geochemistry of oceanic volcanics; 7. Isotope geochemistry of continental rocks; 8. Osmium isotopes; 9. Lu-Hf, Ba-La-Ce, and K-Ca systems; 10. K-Ar, Ar-Ar and U-He dating; 11. Noble gas geochemistry; 12. U-series dating; 13. U-series geochemistry of igneous systems; 14. Cosmogenic nuclides; 15. Extinct radionuclides; 16. Fission track dating; Appendix 1: chart of the nuclides; Appendix 2: meteorite types.
About the author
Alan P. Dickin is Professor of Geology at McMaster University, Ontario.
Summary
The new edition of Radiogenic Isotope Geology examines revolutionary changes in geochemical thinking over the past fifteen years. The latest ideas and methods, classic papers, and illustrative case studies all come under scrutiny, providing an accessible introduction for students and critical commentary for researchers.
Report
'The Dickin text provides an excellent introduction to radiogenic isotope geochemistry. I read a previous edition cover-to-cover during preparation for the general knowledge exams in graduate school, and I still suggest that graduate students do the same in preparation for their exams. It continues to be a key reference for teaching and in the classroom and in the laboratory.' Matthew Jackson, University of California, Santa Barbara
