“The editors of this book have composed an excellent, up-to-date overview of continental chemical deposits…. This volume contributes substantially to a better understanding of several earth-surface processes. It is a book that many earth scientists interested in geomorphology, weathering, soils and continental paleoenviroments long have waited for.” (Journal of Sedimentary Research. January 2009)
“I would highly recommend this text to both students and academics―I will certainly be adding it to my class reading lists.” (Geographical Journal, 2009)
“This volume provides an excellent introduction to the subject for any undergraduate or taught postgraduate undertaking courses in geomorphology, weathering and soil processes, dryland geomorphology or palaeoenvironmental change and will be a key text for any scientist who is actively researching in the field. It is likely to become an indispensable volume for libraries and academic bookshelves anywhere that geography, earth and environmental sciences are taught.”
―Ian Candy, Royal Holloway, University of London
“Geochemical Sediments and Landscapes is the long–anticipated update of the quarter century old Chemical Sediments and Geomorphology. It consists of fourteen clearly written, concise, up-to-date discussions of the nature, age and genesis of the major groups of chemical sediments by the leading researchers in the field. It addresses contemporary issues of landscape evolution, environmental change and mineral resource exploration. This is a ‘must-have’ book for all earth scientists interested in the relationships between chemical precipitates and landscape evolution. The book represents a substantial and significant contribution to our understanding of earth surface processes and as such is a valuable addition to the literature of geomorphologies, hydrologists, sedimentologists, geochemists and soil scientists.”
―John C. Dixon, University of Arkansas
From the Inside Flap
This volume offers a state-of-the-art review of terrestrial geochemical sedimentology by internationally recognised experts in the field, integrating their most current research with earlier work. For the first time, the full range of these sediments is reviewed in a single volume, from duricrusts (calcrete, laterite and silcrete) to deposits precipitated in various spring, lake, cave and near–coastal environments. Each chapter summarises the main characteristics of the sediments: morphological, chemical and mineralogical. Distribution, mechanisms of formation or accumulation, palaeoenvironmental significance, and relationships to other terrestrial geochemical sediments are also addressed.
Geochemical Sediments and Landscapes is unique in its currency and comprehensiveness. An introductory chapter provides an overview of the links between long-term landscape change and geochemical sedimentation. Understanding the origins of terrestrial geochemical sediments can provide insights into past environments, landform preservation and landscape erosion. One chapter is dedicated to the major investigative analytical techniques used in research, and the final chapter identifies key themes and directions for future research.
From the Back Cover
This volume offers a state-of-the-art review of terrestrial geochemical sedimentology by internationally recognised experts in the field, integrating their most current research with earlier work. For the first time, the full range of these sediments is reviewed in a single volume, from duricrusts (calcrete, laterite and silcrete) to deposits precipitated in various spring, lake, cave and near–coastal environments. Each chapter summarises the main characteristics of the sediments: morphological, chemical and mineralogical. Distribution, mechanisms of formation or accumulation, palaeoenvironmental significance, and relationships to other terrestrial geochemical sediments are also addressed.
Geochemical Sediments and Landscapes is unique in its currency and comprehensiveness. An introductory chapter provides an overview of the links between long-term landscape change and geochemical sedimentation. Understanding the origins of terrestrial geochemical sediments can provide insights into past environments, landform preservation and landscape erosion. One chapter is dedicated to the major investigative analytical techniques used in research, and the final chapter identifies key themes and directions for future research.
About the Author
David J. Nash is Reader in Physical Geography at the University of Brighton. He is widely known for his publications on the links between silcretes, calcretes and landscape evolution in southern Africa, southwest Europe and the UK, as well as his broader research into the geomorphology of dryland regions and Quaternary to recent environmental changes in deserts.
Sue J. McLaren is Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography at the University of Leicester. Her research expertise is in terrestrial geochemical sediments (particularly aeolianites and calcretes), reconstructing palaeoenvironments in drylands, and geoarchaeology. Sue has worked extensively in northern and southern Africa, the Middle East, Mexico and the Caribbean, as well as in the Mediterranean and Borneo.
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