Stable isotope geochemistry /

The seventh edition of Stable Isotope Geochemistry is a major upgrade. First published in 1972, Hoefs's classic text--a standard accompaniment for geochemistry and isotope classes alike--now includes discussions of 25 new isotope systems that have been considered "non-traditional" (e.g., Br, Sn, Tl). The inclusion of these new systems yields a greatly expanded book that is rich with references from the primary literature (these take up 30 percent of the book). For each isotope system, Hoefs delivers, in the familiar no-frills figures and succinct format, discussion of abundances of the stable isotopes in a given system; ranges of isotope values found in major geological reservoirs; typical materials and the methods used to analyze them; and what is known about fractionation pathways in these systems. The methods sections at the start and later reviews of isotope variations in nature are also nicely updated. Overall, Hoefs's systematic approach to individual isotope systems makes for a clear book that is a great reference to read up on that "new" isotope system that one is about to explore. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. --Jade Star Lackey, Pomona College