Cosmochemistry

Thoroughly updated to include exciting discoveries from spacecraft missions and laboratory analyses, as well as new teaching resources.

Harry McSween, Jr (Author), Gary Huss (Author)

9781108839839, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 3 March 2022

452 pages
26 x 20.6 x 2.6 cm, 1.31 kg

'It would be effectively impossible for any textbook to capture the current state of cosmochemistry, given the pace of discovery. The authors … acknowledge that their book is a snapshot. However, they have done an admirable job of providing context for the ongoing research in this field, and the current and anticipated results from the exploration of the solar system by spacecraft, including returned samples from asteroids, the Moon, and Mars.' Christopher Herd, American Mineralogist

Cosmochemistry is a rapidly evolving field of planetary science and the second edition of this classic text reflects the exciting discoveries made over the past decade from new spacecraft missions. Topics covered include the synthesis of elements in stars, behaviour of elements and isotopes in the early solar nebula and planetary bodies, and compositions of extra-terrestrial materials. Radioisotope chronology of the early Solar System is also discussed, as well as geochemical exploration of planets by spacecraft, and cosmochemical constraints on the formation of solar systems. Thoroughly updated throughout, this new edition features significantly expanded coverage of chemical fractionation and isotopic analyses; focus boxes covering basic definitions and essential background material on mineralogy, organic chemistry and quantitative topics; and a comprehensive glossary. An appendix of analytical techniques and end-of-chapter review questions, with solutions available at www.cambridge.org/cosmochemistry2e, also contribute to making this the ideal teaching resource for courses on the Solar System's composition as well as a valuable reference for early career researchers.

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 and Interplanetary Dust – A Record of Nebular and Planetary Processes
7. Element Fractionations by Cosmochemical and Geochemical Processes
8. Stable-Isotope Fractionations by Cosmochemical and Geochemical Processes
9. Radioisotopes as Chronometers
10. Chronology of the Early Solar System
11. The Most Volatile Elements and Compounds – Ices, Noble Gases, and Organic Matter
12. Planetesimals – Leftover Planetary Building Blocks
13. Chemistry of Planetesimals and Their Samples
14. Geochemical Exploration – The Moon and Mars as Case Studies
15. Cosmochemical Models for the Formation and Evolution of Solar Systems
Appendix: Analytical Techniques Commonly Used in Cosmochemistry
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Rocks, minerals & fossils [WNR], Geochemistry [RBGK], Mineralogy & gems [PNV], Organic chemistry [PNN], Solar system: the Sun & planets [PGS], Cosmology & the universe [PGK]