Cosmochemistry

by Harry Y. McSween, Jr , Gary R. Huss

• ISBN13: 9780521878623
• ISBN10: 0521878624
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-06-07
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

How did the Solar System's chemical composition evolve? This textbook provides the answers in the first interdisciplinary introduction to cosmochemistry. It makes this exciting and evolving field accessible to undergraduate and graduate students from a range of backgrounds, including geology, chemistry, astronomy and physics. The authors - two established leaders who have pioneered developments in the field - provide a complete background to cosmochemical processes and discoveries, enabling students outside geochemistry to understand and explore the Solar System's composition. Topics covered include: - synthesis of nuclides in stars - partitioning of elements between solids, liquids and gas in the solar nebula - overviews of the chemistry of extraterrestrial materials - isotopic tools used to investigate processes such as planet accretion and element fractionation - chronology of the early Solar System - geochemical exploration of planets Boxes provide basic definitions and mini-courses in mineralogy, organic chemistry, and other essential background information for students. Review questions and additional reading for each chapter encourage students to explore cosmochemistry further.

Table of Contents

Preface

Introduction to cosmochemistry

Nuclides and elements - the building blocks of matter

Origin of the elements

Solar System and cosmic abundances - elements and isotopes

Presolar grains - a record of stellar nucleosynthesis and processes in interstellar space

Meteorites - a record of nebular and planetary processes

Cosmochemical and geochemical fractionations

Radioisotopes as chronometers

Chronology of the early Solar System

The most volatile elements and compounds - organic matter, noble gases, and ices

Chemistry of anhydrous planetesimals

Chemistry of comets and other ice-bearing planetesimals

Geochemical exploration of planets - Moon and Mars as case studies

Cosmochemical models for the formation of the Solar System

Appendix:some analytical techniques commonly used in cosmochemistry

Index

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