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An introduction to environmental chemistry
CHEMICAL GEOLOGY mCLttOltCG
ELSEVIER
ISOTOPE GEOSCIENCE
ChemicalGeology137 (1997) 153
Book Review An Introduction to Environmental Chemistry, by J.E.
Andrews, P. Brimblecombe, T.D. Jickells and P.S. Liss. Blackwell Science, Oxford, 1995, xviii + 209 pp., UK £12.95. ISBN 0-6323854-3 (paperback). A well-conceived, beautifully executed introduction to the chemistry of our environment, which takes the reader on an exciting journey through the atmosphere, the terrestrial environment and oceans, finally to focus on the topical subject of global change, its causes and effects. A number of exampies from local case studies emphasizes the relevance of the general statements to aspects of each one's daily life. A job well done. Instead of starting; as usual in such texts with the background in physics, chemistry and measurements, this book uses a flash-back technique of referring to
0009-2541/97/$17.00 Publishedby ElsevierScienceB.V. Pll S0009-2541 (96)00125- 8
the pertinent information and terms in interspersed "boxes". This results in a more readable text, allowing the reader to approach the subject directly without a lengthy, exacting and tiring preamble. Some may find these explanatory side trips not quite satisfying however, and the loss of systematics prescribes the text as a companion volume for disciplines and students other than of environmental chemistry. It will probably not suffice as a text for those taking up the subject as a primary goal in their studies. The wide range of subjects covered, the easy readability and attractive appearance of this volume should ensure it a wide and enthusiastic audience and it can be highly recommended as a desk companion for all those taking a first glimpse into the environmental scene, and the global change picture in particular. J. GAT (Rehovot)
ELSEVIER
ISOTOPE GEOSCIENCE
ChemicalGeology137 (1997) 153
Book Review An Introduction to Environmental Chemistry, by J.E.
Andrews, P. Brimblecombe, T.D. Jickells and P.S. Liss. Blackwell Science, Oxford, 1995, xviii + 209 pp., UK £12.95. ISBN 0-6323854-3 (paperback). A well-conceived, beautifully executed introduction to the chemistry of our environment, which takes the reader on an exciting journey through the atmosphere, the terrestrial environment and oceans, finally to focus on the topical subject of global change, its causes and effects. A number of exampies from local case studies emphasizes the relevance of the general statements to aspects of each one's daily life. A job well done. Instead of starting; as usual in such texts with the background in physics, chemistry and measurements, this book uses a flash-back technique of referring to
0009-2541/97/$17.00 Publishedby ElsevierScienceB.V. Pll S0009-2541 (96)00125- 8
the pertinent information and terms in interspersed "boxes". This results in a more readable text, allowing the reader to approach the subject directly without a lengthy, exacting and tiring preamble. Some may find these explanatory side trips not quite satisfying however, and the loss of systematics prescribes the text as a companion volume for disciplines and students other than of environmental chemistry. It will probably not suffice as a text for those taking up the subject as a primary goal in their studies. The wide range of subjects covered, the easy readability and attractive appearance of this volume should ensure it a wide and enthusiastic audience and it can be highly recommended as a desk companion for all those taking a first glimpse into the environmental scene, and the global change picture in particular. J. GAT (Rehovot)