R. F. Leo1 and E. lngerson University of Texas Austin 78712
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Geologic Literature for Chemists A selection of introductory texts and review articles
EDITOR'SNOTE: The purpose of this paper is to acquaint the reader with a general selection of modem references from the geologic literature. Many of the books and articles cited are of a n introductory snd review nature, written in semi-technical fashion by some of the leading specialists in their respective fields. In making the selection, emphasis has been given to those aspects of earth science that are most closely related to chemistry. Although the suggested references will probably be useful to anyone with a chemical orientation and an interest in earth science, they have been selected specifically to help those secondary school teachers and college instructors who w e primarily chemists by training but whose duties include the teaching of the earth science course in highschoolor the general physical science course in junior or senior college.
Although the field of geochemistry dates back to the early phases in the histories of its parent disciplines, chemistry and geology, it is currently experiencing a resurgence in activity beyond what it has known before. A major portion of the impetus for this development may be attributed to the recent interest of both scientist and layman in delving into the mysteries of the seas and space. At the same time, the continued and ever growing interest in the resources within the earth's crust remains as important as ever. Selected Bibliography
The following list of recommended books2 and periodicals should serve as an adequate library of basic references in geochemistry and the earth sciences. A bibliography of some 200 additional titles has been prepared as a supplement to the references ment.ioned in this article and is available upon request from E. Ingerson. Geochemistry (1) ABEISON, P., (Editor), "Researches in Geochemistry," Wiley, 1959. (2) AHRENS,L., "Distribution of the Elements in Our Planet," McGraw-Hill, 1965. ( 3 ) BREGER,I., ( E d i t o ~ )"Organic , Geochemistry," Pergamon, 1963.
(4) CLAFXE, F., "The Data of Geochemistry," (6th ed.), U. S. Government Printing Office,Washington, D. C., 1924. (5) DAY,F., "The Chemical Elements in Nature," Reinhold, 1963.
(6) FA^, H., "Age of Rocks, Planets, and Stm," McGrawHill, 1966. (7) FYFE,W., "Geochemistry of Solids: An Introduction," McGraw-Hill, 1964. ' P m n t address: 111 Bobrich Drive #lo, Rochester, N. Y . 14610. The identification of publishers is more abbreviated than usual for THIS JOURNAL. Readem desiring full names and addressses of publishem are referred to the Annual Book List published each The last such list appeared 44. A839 Se~temberin THIS JOURNAL. .. (1967). Another general textbook (K. Krauskopf's "Introduction to Geochemistry," McGraw-Hill, 1967) appeared while this paper was in press.
(8) GARRELS,R., AND CHRIST,C., '~Solutiom,hlinerh, and Equilibria," Harper, 1965. (9) GOLDSCHMIDT, V., "Geochemistry," Oxford University Press, 1954. (10) HAWKES,H., A N D WEBB, J., "Geochemistry in Mineral Exploration," Harper, 1962. (11) MASON,B., "Principles of Geochemistry," (3rd ed.), Wiley, 1966.
(12) RANKAMA, K., AND SARAMA, T., "Geochemistry," University of ChicagoPress, 1950.
For a clear and comprehensive but concise exposition of the fundamentals of general geochemistry, Mason's "Principles of Geochemistry" (11) is highly recommended.% In this beginning texthook for geology students, emphasis is given to the physiochemical principles that govern geological phenomena. The principal focus of the commentary is on the chemical species in the various parts of the earth's crust in reference to their abundance, distribution, mode of migration, and role in physiochemical alterations or transformations. The reader will find the annotated bibliographies included with each chapter useful guides to more specific and detailed information on topics he may wish to explore further. For complementary material, particularly cosmochemistry, thegeochemistry of the atmosphere, and the geochemistry of the hydrosphere, Y. Miyake's "Elements of Geochemistry" (Tokyo: Marnzen, 1965) should be quite helpful. As sources of data, or for reference in general, the thorough and comprehensive works of Goldschmidt (O), Rankama and Sahama (I$), and the older but still very useful compilation by Clarke (4) are suggested. The latter is currently undergoing revision in parts under the editorship of M. Fleischer. The wealth of information recorded in these three books gives them a prominent place in the reference library of the working geochemist. A fourth but much briefer source of data is Day's text (6). Here the discussion centers around the principal sources of the elements and their transformations under natural conditions. In Garrels and Christ's treatise (S),chemical thermodynamics is applied to natural systems of geologic interest. Discussion is limited primarily to chemical Volume 44, Number 12, December 1967
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relations in aqueous solutions at low temperatures and pressures. For theory and applications of geochemistry in problems of mineral exploration, Hawkes and Webb's treatise (10) is the most complete account in English. Among the topics discussed are basic principles and methods of prospecting, dispersion patterns, botanical indicators, geochemical anomalies, and sampling and analysis. A particularly salient feature of this book is the inclusion, as an appendix, of a table on the geochemical characteristics of the elements. It might be mentioned that a familiarity with some of the more rudimentary concepts in geologic science would greatly enhance the perusal of this text and some of the others cited in this section. A very readable discussion of the abundance and distribution of the chemical elements in the earth's crust can be found in Ahrens' brief monograph (6). Another clear and concise mongraph in the same series of books on earth and planetary science is Faul's work (6) on the theory and principles of measuring geologic and astrophysical time. Both of these monographs were written with the layman in mind and are available in paperback. Although a chemist may be already acquainted with much of the material in Fyfe's (7) introduction to chemical bonding, crystal structure, and diagenesis, his perusal of this lucid and appealing text for geology students will most likely he met with profit. "Researches in Geochemistry" (1) consists of a series of review papers by specialists on geochemical topics of general research interest. This work is extremely useful for orientation into some of the basic problem areas of geochemical research. A second volume is planned for publication soon. The 15 essays in "Organic Geochemistry" (3) provides a broad survey of this relatively new and important sector of geochemistry. Principles governing origin, diagenesis, and classificationof organic biochemicals are discussed in addition to the specific geochemistry of such organic deposits as humus, kerogen, coal, petroleum, pigments, amino acids, carbohydrates, and hpids. Titles to other volumes of review articles in this field are noted in the aforementioned supplement. Many of the hooks that follow are of a less advanced and more general nature than most of the above. Several of the books above were included primarily for their significance as basic readings for the prepared chemist wit.h a personal interest in geochemistry. Physic01 Geocology, General Texfs ( 1 3 ) HOLMES, A,, "Principles of Physical Geology," (2nd ed.), Ronald, 1965. ( 1 4 ) LEET, L., AND JUDSON,S., "Physicd Geology," (3rd ed.), Prent,ice-Hall,1965. ( 1 5 ) R ~ G E R SJ.,, AND ADAMS,J., "Fundamentals of Physical Geology," Harper, 1966.
Holmes' "Principles of Physical Geology" (13) is an unusually comprehensive introduction to the subject. Because of its broad scope and wealth of detail, it is particularly useful as a reference. Holmes' style is extremely readable. Emphasis is given to geomorphology. This book provides a truly outstand'mg introduction to geology and is highly recommended to the reader. "Physical Geology" (14) is one of the 752
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best first-year college textbooks. It is well organized, principles are stressed, and the presentation is clear. Utilizing more elementary chemistry than is ordinarily included in beginning textbooks, "Fundamentals of Physical Geology" (15) reflects the growing trend in geology toward a more quantitative approach in the interpretation of its problems. Mineralogy and Petrology ( 1 6 ) BERRY,L.,
AND
MASON,B., "Mineralogy," Freeman,
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.7"7.
(17) HURLBUT, C., "Dana's Manual of Mineralogy,'' (17th ed.), Wiley, 1959. (~$ 8,)FIRSSON. L.. AND KNOPF. , A,., "Rock8 and Rook Minerals." (3rd ed.), 'wiley, 1947.
( 1 9 ) SHAND, S., "Rock8 for Chemists,'' Murby, 1952. (20) SINHANKAS, J., "Mineralogy for Amateurs," Van Nostrand 1964.
References (16) and (17) are well known college texts that present the fundamental physical, chemical, and geological principles of mineralogy. The treatment in (16) is somewhat more rigorous than that in (17). Both books discuss crystallography in detail. Descriptive information (physical properties, chemical composition, diagnostic features, occurrence and association, etc.) of the more common minerals comprises the major portion of each text. A more elementary treatment of the above topics can he found in Sinkankas's engagingly fine book, "Mineralogy for Amateurs" ($0). For a more advanced and more extensive coverage of mineralogy, the somewhat dated but still useful Dana's "Textbook of Mineralogy" by W. E. Ford (Wiley, New York, 1932) is suggested. Another hook that may be of interest here is Hey's "Chemical Index of Minerals" (British Museum of Natural History, London, 1955), a catalog of all known mineral species indexed alphabetically and arranged according to chemical composition. For an introduction to petrology, there is probably no beginning source more suitable for the chemist than Shand's splendid little book, "Rocks for Chemists" (19). Another fine introductory treatise on igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks from the meg* scopic viewpoint is the concise and practical work of Pirsson and Knopf (18). Classification, descriptions, petrogenesis, and constituent minerals of rocks are discussed. Geophysics ( 2 1 ) BATES, D. (Editor), "The Planet Earth," Macmillsn, 1964. ( 2 2 ) HOWELL, B., "Introduction to Geophysics," McGraw-Hill, 1959.
"The Planet Earth" (61) is a collection of essays, written in semi-popular fashion by specialists, on a variety of topics in geophysics and atmospheric science. "Introduction to Geophysics" (62) is a beginning college textbook that surveys the full spectrum of general areas of geophysics. Among the topics dealt with are cosmology, geochronology and geothermometry, seismology, continental drift, tectonics, geomagnetism, and terrestrial electricity. Ofher Aspecfs of Geology ( 2 3 ) DUNBAR, C . , AND ROGERS, J., "Principles of Stratigraphy," Wiley, 1957.
( 2 4 ) HILLS, E., "Elements of Structural Geology," Wiley, 1963. ( 2 5 ) STOKES, W., "Essentials of Earth History," Prentice-Hall1966. ( 2 6 ) THORNBURY, W . , "Principles of Geomorphology," Wiley, 1954.
This list gives four of the best introductory college texts in four of the principal subdivisions of geology. Other books of interest here are C. Riley's "Our Mineral Resources" (Wiley, 1959), an elementary textbook in economic geology, F. D. Adams' "The Birth and Development of the Geological Sciences" (Dover, 1938), a history of geology, and S. Paige's "Application of Geology to Engineering Practice," Berkey Volume, (Geol. Soc. Amer., 1950), a collection of papers in engineering geology on such topics as mechanics of landslides, control of ground water, and the geology of dam construction. Astronomy
( 2 7 ) ABELL,G., "Exploration of the Universe," Holt, 1964.
An excellent general introduction to the universe. Discusses critically all of the important sectors of astronomy and astrophysics. The style is popular, yet masterfully precise and compact in presentation. Three highly-regarded and essentially non-technical books both the teacher and student may enjoy reading are H. Bondi's "The Universe at Large" (Anchor, 1960), J. Muirden's "Stars and Planets" (Crowell, 1964), and F. Watson's "Between the Planets" (Anchor, 1962). Meteorology
(28) DAY, J., "The Science of Weather," Addison-Wesley, 1966. (29) RIEAL,H., "Introductionto the Atmosphere," McGrsw-Hill, 1965.
Both of these books are excellent non-technical r e views of the science of meteorology. Modern views about the atmosphere and problems that await solution are stressed throughout. Oceanography
( 3 0 ) ~ I C K A R DG., , "Descriptive Physiod Ooeenography," Macmillan, 1964. (31) RILEY,J., AND SKIRROW, G. (Editors), "Chemical Oceanography, A Treatise in Two Volumes," Academic Press, 1965-1966. ( 3 2 ) S V E ~ R U H., P , JOHNSON, M., AND REMMING, R.. "The Oceans. their Phvsim. Chemistrv. and General Biolow."
Of the large number of hooks that purport to introduce oceanography in an elementary fashion, surprisingly few actually touch on the science of oceanography (or, to be more correct, the sciences of physics, chemistry, etc., with reference to the oceans). One that does, and does it admirably, is Pickard's " D e scriptive Physical Oceanography" (30). Synoptic and interpretive in approach, it may be profitably read by most undergraduate and senior high school students. For a single volume reference on all aspects of oceanography, the comprehensive classic by Sverdrup, et al. (32) is still the standard. For information specifically on chemical oceanography, the two volume treatise edited by Riley and
Skirrow (31) is the most thorough and up to date reference available. Each chapter in this advanced work is the contribution of a specialist, reporting in depth on the current status of a basic problem area or some specific sector of marine geochemistry. Taken together, these essays cover practically the entire scope of the field. Earth Science, General Texts
( 3 3 ) Earth Science Curriculum Project, "Investigating the Earth," (%d ed.), Houghtan-Mifflin, 1967. (34) ORDWAY, R., '2arth Science," Van Nostrand, 1966. ( 3 5 ) STRAHLER, A,, "The Earth Soiences," Harper, 1963.
"Investigating the Earth" (33) is the textbook that has been written for secondary school students participating in the Earth Science Curriculum Project (the geologic equivalent to the Physical Science Study Committee in physics and the Chemical Education Materials Study or the Chemical Bond Approach group in chemistry). Ordway's "Earth Science" (34) and Strahler's "The Earth Sciences" (55) are two of the best collegelevel textbooks that survey the current concepts in geology, astronomy, meteorology, and oceanography. Physical Science, General Text
( 3 6 ) KRAUSKOPF, K., AND BEIBLER, A,, "Fundamentals of Physical Science,', (6thed.),McGraw-Hill, 1966.
The above is a survey text in physical science that should appeal to both student and teacher. General format is attractive and choice of content is good. Many clear and interesting illustrations. Other Materials
( 3 7 ) "Glossary of Geology and Related Sciences," American Geological Institute, 1960. ( 3 8 ) Earth Science Curriculum Project, "Reference Series," Nos. 1-6, Prentioe-Hdl, 1964. (391 HELLER. R. ( E d d o ~ j"Geolaw . . . and Earth Science Sourcehook," Holt, 1962. (.4 0.) PANGBORN. M.. "Earth for the Lavman." American Geoloaical institute; 1957. ( 4 1 ) WHITE,J. (Editor), "Study of the Earth," Prentice-Hal, 1962.
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In perusing any of the literature in the earth sciences, an invaluable reference to have within easy reach is the American Geological Institute's 397 page glossary (a third edition is now in preparation). An abridged edition of the present work (37) is available in paperback form under the title, "Dictionary of Geologic Terms" (Doubleday, 1962). References (38,39, and 40) are comprehensive sources of earth science materials appropriate for use in s e 5 oudary and elementary schools. They can be of immeasurable value as aids in enriching the high school earth science programs. Pangborn's bibliography (40) lists some 1400 popular books on geology and related subjects. In addition to books, the six pamphlets (38) prepared by the ESCP group give sources of films, maps, free materials for teachers, and earth science information in general. Reference (39) contains outlines of major topics in geology in addition to listing source material. "Study of the Earth" (41) is a well chosen collection of essays in geologic science and is intended for use as a Volume 44, Number 12, December 1967
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general reader in introductory geology courses. It treats many of the current and controversial problems not well covered by elementary texts. Periodicals
On chemical "fossils," organic compounds entombed in the matrices of ancient mcks. (47) FOWLER,W., Chem. Eng. News, 42,90 (1964). Origin of the chemical elements. (48) FYFE, W., J. CHEM.EDUC.,40,330 (1963). Scope of modern geochemistry. (49) INGERSON, E., BuU. Gwl. Sac. A m . , 64,301 (1953). Review of the variations in non-radiogenic isotope shundances and their geological significance. (501 KELLER.W.. J.Geol. Educ... 14.17 . (19661. . ~-~~~ & r h e & i a dweatherine of rooks. (51) L m s ~W., , End&u&r, 13,5 T1954). Radiocarbon dating. (52) KNOPF,A,, Scienlific Mnthly, 85,225 (1957). Measuring geologic time. (53) MANTEN, A., Chem. Geol., 1,5 (1966). Historicd foundations of geochemistry. (54) MUELLER, R.,J. CAEM.EDUC.,42,294 (1965). Chemistrv with reference to the "in d.a n e t r w"nmcesses . state of thermodynamic equilibrium. (55) NELSON, T., J. CHEM.EDUC.,31,399 (1954). Petroleum genesis, theoretical considerations. (56) STRENG, E., J. CHEM.EDUC.,32.611 (1955). Geology in the first year chemistry course. (57) TAKAHASHI, T., AND BASSETT, W., Scientific Amriean, 212,
Currently, there are four journals in English devoted exclusively to geochemistry: Geochimica et C a m chimica Acta (Percamon Press). Geochemistru International ( ~ n g k h&anslations articles from the Soviet journal Geokhimya and other Russian sources), Chemical Geology (Elsevier), and Geochemical Journal (Geochemical Society of Japan). The articles contributed to these journals are generally reports of original work or reviews on specific topics of current geochemical research interest. In either case, they are submitted by geochemists for geochemists and therefore, may often be of limited appeal to the scientificallyliterate but non-specialist reader. Similar papers and research notes on geochemistry appear also in many of the chemistry and geology periodicals and, quite often, in the two multidiscipline 100 (1965). Composition of the earth's interior. journals, Science and Nature. Abstracts of most of (58) TAYLOR, S., Geochim. Comehim. Acta, 28, 1273 (1964). these papers are reported in Abstracts of North American Tabulation and critique of dets on the abundance of Geology and in the mineralogical and geological chemthe chemical elements in granites and basalta. istry section of Chemical Abstracts. (59) VANLANDINGHAM, J., J. CHEM.EDUC.,40, 272 (1963). Distribution of inorgrtnio nutrients in the sea and ita Excellent articles with a broader scope and a less relationship to the biological population. technical presentation can be found from time to time P., American S c h W 53, 358 (1965). in ~ ~ scientist, ~ chemical r & ,gngineering i ~ N ~ ~ ~(60) ~WANGEESKY, ~ Organic , chemistry of sea water. Chemistrg i n Britain, Endeavour, the JOURNAL OF CHEM(61) nChaical and Enrimering News Special Report: ChemICAL EDUCATION, the Journal of Geological Educatirm, istry and the Solid Earth," Oct. 2, 1967, p. 1A. and Scimtijic American. The writers of these articles are frequently among the more outstanding conA ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ tributors to their particular fields and, almost always, The authors are deeply indebted to Professor J. J. they are addressed to the general reader. A sampling of readings chosen largely from these sources of more Lag0wski his in preparing manuscript and for his critique of it. The authors general interest is: are grateful also to Professor S. E. Clabaugh who read (42) AERENS,L.,Chem. in Brit., 2,14 (1966). the final draft and made pertinent suggestions, to Mrs. Significance of the chemical bond for controlling the geoT,L, &ion, geology librarian, and to the following chemical distribution of the elements. faculty members of The University of Texas for their (43) ANDERS, E., AND GOLES,G., J. CAEM.EDUC.,38,58 (1961). suggestions and comments on specific books and Theories of meteorite origin, chemicd considerations. articles in their fields of interest: D. S. Barker, E. C. (44) C h . Eng. Neurs, 42,lA (1964). Broad survey of the field of chemical oceanography. Jonas, L. E. Long, and E. W. Owen (geology), C. W. (45) CAMERON, A., Sky & Telescope. 25,254 (1963). Horton (geophysics), P. L. Parker (marine chemistry), Origin of the chemical elements. and N. K. Wagner H. J. Smith (46) EOLINTON, G., AND CALVIN,M., Scientijk Arneriean, 216, 32 (1967). spheric science).
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The name and address of the author of article "The Subtle life: An Imaginary Dialogue with a Not So Subtle Moral" published on p. 607 of the October issue of THIS JOURNAL were incorrect,ly given. The correct identification is:
There were typographicd errors in two of the equation8 in the article "Simple Justification of the Form of Boltzmann's Distribution Law" by Reina W. Hakala which appeared on p. 657 of the November issue. The correct farms of the 6ftb and seventh equations, respectively, are
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