Stable Isotope Geochemistry

This classic textbook is an introduction to the systematics and the use of stable isotopes in geosciences. It is subdivided into three parts: i) theoretical and experimental principles, ii) fractionation processes of light and heavy elements, iii) the natural variations of geologically important reservoirs. Since the publication of the previous edition improvements in multi-collector ICP mass-spectrometry have increased the ability to measure isotope ratios with very high precision for many elements of the periodic table. The amount of published data has increased tremendously in the last years; thus, conclusions based on a limited database are now better constrained. In this new edition, therefore, 47 elements with resolvable natural variations in isotope composition are discussed. This increase of elements, together with advances in the calculation of equilibrium isotope fractionation using ab initio methods, has led to an unbelievable rise of publications, making substantial major revisions and extensions of the last edition necessary. Many new references have been added, which enable quick access to recent literature.

Jochen Hoefs has been working in the field of stable isotope geochemistry of the elements hydrogen, lithium, carbon, oxygen and sulfur since 1965. His main scientific interests include the stable isotope geochemistry of the mantle and lower crust, the genesis of basaltic and granitic magmas, water/rock interactions under hydrothermal conditions, the history of the ocean and the atmosphere and the application of stable isotopes to environmental problems. He has published more than 200 scientific papers, mostly in international journals. He authored the first edition of this textbook in 1973 and updates the textbook regularly.