An Introduction to Organic Geochemistry (Longman Geochemistry Series) - Softcover

Killops, Stephen D.; Killops, Vanessa J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0582080401 ISBN 13: 9780582080409

Publisher: Longman, 1993

Synopsis

This book is an attempt to present a readily accessible, up-to-date and integrated introduction to organic geochemistry, at a reasonable price. It does not assume any particular specialist knowledge other than some basic chemistry and is intended to serve as a text for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in which organic geochemistry is an important component. It may also be found a useful companion by experienced scientists from other disciplines who may be moving into the subject for the first time. In a book of this size it is not possible to discuss all aspects of organic geochemistry, and emphasis has been placed on the formation of organic-rich sedimentary deposits. While this approach will be of particular relevance to those interested in petroleum exploration, the important area of environmental geochemistry has also received consideration.

About this title

Review

"The book is an excellently written , up–to–date text, introducing the fundamental concepts in organic geochemistry without overloading the reader with details. No doubt once again this volume will become widely used by students and other scientists in many fields."
European Journal of Soil Science

"This is arguably the only undergraduate to postgraduate level textbook on organic geochemistry that is readily affordable for students . . . but any institution involved in teaching undergraduate or postgraduate organic, petroleum or general geochemistry should consider purchasing multiple copies for their libraries."
Geological Magazine

From the Back Cover

An Introduction to Organic Geochemistry explores the fate of organic matter of all types, biogenic and man–made, in the Earth System. It investigates the variety of pathways and biogeochemical transformations that carbon compounds can experience over a range of time scales and in different environments.

The scope of this second edition has been widened to provide a broad and up–to–date background. The authors have structured the text to accommodate readers with varied scientific backgrounds. Essential terminology is defined fully and boxes are used to explain concepts introduced from other disciplines. Further study is aided by the incorporation of carefully selected literature references.

Geology, geochemistry and environmental science undergraduates and postgraduates, as well as students of ecology and oceanography, will find this text an essential introduction to organic geochemistry. Petroleum geologists will also find it an invaluable source of information.

Key topics covered include:

• the global carbon cycle and related elemental cycles;


• evolution of life and its influence on the carbon cycle through Earth history;


• production and chemical composition of biogenic matter;


• degradation vs. preservation of sedimentary organic matter in various environments;


• biological and thermal alteration in sediment, soil and water column;


• molecular and isotopic stratigraphy;


• greenhouse gases and palaeoclimatic variation;


• man’s influence on biogeochemical cycles and global climate change; and


• factors affecting the behaviour of pollutants in the environment.

Edition details

• Publisher: Longman
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0582080401
• ISBN 13: 9780582080409
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 280