In this book the geochemical cycles of the major chemical components of rocks, water, air, and life are discussed as they occur naturally and as they are perturbed by humans. Quantitative estimates are given of the fluxes of elements between major earth surface reservoirs including the atmosphere, rainwater, rocks, terrestrial and marine biota, rivers, lakes, and the oceans. The approach is worldwide in scope.

The book provides an integrated approach to global geochemistry and environmental problems and introduces the reader to some fundamental concepts of geology, biogeochemistry, oceanography, meteorology, and limnology. It provides an extensive and valuable source of data for professionals while at the same time being understandable to anyone with an elementary chemical background.