Environmental Geology and Geochemistry: A Brief Introduction

"Environmental Geology and Geochemistry: A Brief Introduction" discusses the geosphere as one of the five environmental spheres, the others of which are the hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and anthrosphere (that part of the environment made and operated by humans). In addition, a significant part of the work deals with soil and its critical role in food production and, increasingly, in the generation of renewable raw materials and biofuels. The concept of plate tectonics in shaping the geosphere is explained. The nature of rocks and the rock cycle are discussed. Emphasis is placed upon chemical processes in the geosphere including the main concepts involved in geochemistry. Weathering as a critical geochemical process is discussed. The relationship of the geosphere to emerging green (sustainable) sciences including green chemistry is explained. An important aspect of the geosphere is as a source of much of Earth s natural capital including essential minerals and fossil fuels. The specific topics covered are the following: 1. The Geosphere (The Geosphere Related to the Other Environmental Spheres, Plate Tectonics, The Rock Cycle, The Geosphere, Green Chemistry, and Sustainability). 2. Chemical Composition of the Geosphere and Geochemistry (Biological Aspects of Weathering). 3. The Geosphere as a Source of Natural Capital, 4. Environmental Hazards of the Geosphere (Volcanoes, Toxicological and Public Health Aspects of Volcanoes, Earthquakes, Toxicological and Public Health Aspects of Earthquakes, Surface Effects, Radon, a Toxic Gas from the Geosphere. 5. Water in and on the Geosphere (Geospheric Water and Health Effects). 6 Anthrospheric Influences on the Geosphere. 7. The Geosphere as a Waste Repository. 8 Have You Thanked a Clod Today? (What is Soil?, Inorganic Solids in Soil, Soil Organic Matter, Water in Soil and The Soil Solution, Chemical Exchange Processes in Soil). 9 Plant Nutrients and Fertilizers in Soil. 10 Soil and Plants Related to Wastes and Pollutants. 11 Soil Loss Desertification and Deforestation (Biochar for Soil Conservation and Enrichment, Water and Soil Conservation). 12 Toxicological and Public Health Aspects of Soil.