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Paleotemperature analysis—Methods in geochemistry and geophysics. 2
Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology,Palaeoecology Elsevier Publishin~gCompany, Amsterdam-Printed in The Netherlands
Book Rev&uw Paleotemperature Analysis--Methods in Geochemistry and Geophysics. 2. R. BOWEN. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1966, 265 pp., 35 illus., 26 tables, Dfl.45.00, 90 s, $16.50. The development of the oxygen isotope technique for paleotemperature analysis in the early 1950's offered a bright promise for progress toward solution of some of the most refractory problems in geology. In the decade and a half that has followed the pioneering efforts of Urey and his co-workers at Chicago, a great deal of work has been done to test and refine the method, and it has been applied in many and diverse studies. The time seems right for a summation of our knowledge of the technique and for a thoughtful review and synthesis of the results of its application and continued promise for the future. Robert Bowen, in an attractively designed book, entitled Paleotemperature Analysis has attempted to provide such a summary and review. One of the most intriguing aspects of the oxygen isotope paleotemperature technique is the variety of disciplines upon which it draws for its successful practice, and the variety of fundamental problems which it can attack. Enormous skill in synthesis, and great breadth of background are thus required if the subject is to be handled in its entirety by a single author. Bowen has wisely restricted his subject by concentrating almost wholly on low temperature geothermometry of fossils and omitting, save for a brief addendum, almost all mention of the use of oxygen isotopes in the study of igneous and metamorphic processes. Nevertheless, the author, with considerable courage, has made an effort in this slim book of twelve chapters, and a miscellaneous assortment of addenda and appendices, to handle a variety of subjects ranging from a chronological survey of ancient climates, to the fundamentals of dual collector gas mass spectrometers. With so vast a target, he may be excused for eschewing the precise rifle bullet of critical review in favor of a shotgun blast of summary and sometimes only of compilation. In general, the author appears to have been most successful in the presentation of a unified and cogent summary in these chapters dealing with methodology. He has been least successful in those chapters which attempt to summarize and interpret results of the application of paleotemperature analysis to geological problems. While exhibiting an attractive format, providing an extensive bibliography, and containing much information, Paleotemperature Analysis is not likely to find unqualified acceptance by earth scientists working in the field, either as a text or reference book. F. G. STEHLI(Cleveland, Ohio)
Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatol.,Palaeoecol., 3 (1967) 287
Book Rev&uw Paleotemperature Analysis--Methods in Geochemistry and Geophysics. 2. R. BOWEN. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1966, 265 pp., 35 illus., 26 tables, Dfl.45.00, 90 s, $16.50. The development of the oxygen isotope technique for paleotemperature analysis in the early 1950's offered a bright promise for progress toward solution of some of the most refractory problems in geology. In the decade and a half that has followed the pioneering efforts of Urey and his co-workers at Chicago, a great deal of work has been done to test and refine the method, and it has been applied in many and diverse studies. The time seems right for a summation of our knowledge of the technique and for a thoughtful review and synthesis of the results of its application and continued promise for the future. Robert Bowen, in an attractively designed book, entitled Paleotemperature Analysis has attempted to provide such a summary and review. One of the most intriguing aspects of the oxygen isotope paleotemperature technique is the variety of disciplines upon which it draws for its successful practice, and the variety of fundamental problems which it can attack. Enormous skill in synthesis, and great breadth of background are thus required if the subject is to be handled in its entirety by a single author. Bowen has wisely restricted his subject by concentrating almost wholly on low temperature geothermometry of fossils and omitting, save for a brief addendum, almost all mention of the use of oxygen isotopes in the study of igneous and metamorphic processes. Nevertheless, the author, with considerable courage, has made an effort in this slim book of twelve chapters, and a miscellaneous assortment of addenda and appendices, to handle a variety of subjects ranging from a chronological survey of ancient climates, to the fundamentals of dual collector gas mass spectrometers. With so vast a target, he may be excused for eschewing the precise rifle bullet of critical review in favor of a shotgun blast of summary and sometimes only of compilation. In general, the author appears to have been most successful in the presentation of a unified and cogent summary in these chapters dealing with methodology. He has been least successful in those chapters which attempt to summarize and interpret results of the application of paleotemperature analysis to geological problems. While exhibiting an attractive format, providing an extensive bibliography, and containing much information, Paleotemperature Analysis is not likely to find unqualified acceptance by earth scientists working in the field, either as a text or reference book. F. G. STEHLI(Cleveland, Ohio)
Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatol.,Palaeoecol., 3 (1967) 287