The Elements on Earth

Book excerpt: This book illustrates our understanding of the natural world via findings of studies in geochemistry, biochemistry, atmospheric chemistry, environmental chemistry, and other areas, in the context of the general chemistry of the elements. It is divided into two parts: the first provides an account of the Earth - its physics and chemistry, its structure and dynamics - emphasizing the varied roles played by the elements in combination with one another. It demonstrates how elemental chemical behavior dictates both their own environmental significance and the nature of our environment. The second part considers the elements in alphabetical order, and provides a comprehensive reference resource in its own right. Fully cross-referenced, this book is clear, precise, and will have wide appeal as either a supplementary text to an undergraduate inorganic and environmental chemistry course, as well as an essential resource for all those interested in the scientific study of the environment.