Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry

Bruce F. Schaefer is a Senior Lecturer in Isotope Geochemistry at Macquarie University, Sydney. His work uses isotopes to solve a broad range of geological problems by identifying and subsequently applying, or on occasion developing, an appropriate isotopic tracer to solve the issue. His research interests include planetary differentiation, mantle plumes, Precambrian geodynamics and magmatic processes. Dr Schaefer was awarded the Tate Memorial Medal for original research from Adelaide University, where he graduated from. He held positions at the Open University, UK, and Monash University, Australia, before moving to Macquarie. His publications include work on magmatism, Precambrian tectonics, mineralised systems, groundwater, weathering rates, geophysics and meteorites.

Dedication; Preface; Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations and symbols; Part I. 'How': Isotopes and How They Are Measured: 1. Isotopes and geochemistry; 2. Processes; 3. Mass spectrometry; 4. Stable isotopes; 5. Radioactivity, radioactive decay and isotope systems applied in the geosciences; Part II. 'When': Geological Time, Ages and Rates of Geological Phenomena: 6. Underpinnings of geochronology: background and principles; 7. Isochron geochronology; 8. U-Pb and Pb-Pb geochronology; 9. Argon geochronology; Part III. 'Where': Tracking the Course of Material through the Earth: 10. Isotopes as tracers: general principles; 11. Applications of radiogenic tracers; 12. New developments in radiogenic isotopes; Appendix 1. Conversion between weight % oxide and ppm; Appendix 2. Isotopic abundances; Glossary; References; Index.