Reflecting rapid changes in knowledge of the earth's chemistry, this new, revised edition is more quantitative and gives more attention to issues. Using examples from actual field and laboratory studies, the authors strive to make the subject seem an exciting area of research for students who are chemically inclined. There is expanded coverage of topics such as kinetics, surface chemistry, the geochemistry of isotopes and details of element distribution and transport. The organization is flexible, allowing instructors to adapt the text to student needs.