BOOK REVIEW - Two Geochemistry Titles for Students and Professionals Alike
in the appendices as well as case studies involving contami- nants such as a chlorinated solvent (tetrachloroethylene aka PCE) and arsenic.
The book would be useful for an introductory geochemistry class, although many others also would benefit reading this volume, including advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying environmental and low temperature geo- chemistry as part of an earth science, environmental science or engineering program. Each chapter contains several questions and a reference list. Additional resources for this book can be found at
www.wiley.com/go/ryan/geochemistry.
Author Peter Crowley Ryan is a Professor of Geology and Environmental Studies at Middlebury College where he teaches courses in environmental geochemistry, hydrology, sedimentary geology and interdisciplinary environmental sci- ence. He received a Ph.D. in geology at Dartmouth College, an M.S. in geology from the University of Montana and a B.A. in earth sciences from Dartmouth College. He has served as Director of the Program in Environmental Studies and as Chair of the Department of Geology at Middlebury College.
The second book, Geochemistry, by William M. White, is an advanced geochemistry text which provides truly compre- hensive content for the working geochemist and upper level geology undergraduate or graduate student. This book also would serve well as a complete geochemistry reference book for an introductory class and for those students wanting extensive equations and more detailed technical explanations. Containing 12 chapters and 668 pages, the book contains plen- ty of figures and charts to help illustrate the points described in the text. One well-researched area is isotope geochemistry with discussion of environmentally stable and radiogenic isotopes in geology and environmental science applications. There also
is a chapter on cosmochemistry, which looks at meteorites, the origins and time and isotopic composition of the solar system, and building a habitable solar system. The last chapter covers organic chemistry, including the origin of fossil fuels and the role of the carbon cycle in controlling Earth’s climate, both in the geologic past and present. Each chapter includes refer- ences and suggestions for further reading as well as problems, allowing the book to be easily used in a college or university setting. A companion website with additional information is available at
www.wiley.com/go/white./geochemistry.
The author, William White, teaches geochemistry as a Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Cornell University. He received a B.A. in geology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a PhD in oceanography from the University of Rhode Island. He is a fellow of the Geochemical Society/European Association of Geochemistry and the American Geophysical Union.
Although the field of geochemistry started off slowly in 1838, this scientific specialty now provides significant answers to understanding complex processes on the Earth and other bodies within the solar system. Geochemistry is now clearly recognized as a multidisciplinary endeavor by geologists, chemists and others as having contributed significantly in numerous areas of scientific research, resource extraction, and in practical forensic analysis. The two books both are excellent in describing the basic science of geochemistry and summariz- ing the latest advances and knowledge of geochemical studies and analyses for students and working professionals.
Reviewer: James A. Jacobs is a Principal Hydrogeologist at Clearwater Group with more than three decades of experience. He can be reached at
jjacobs@clearwatergroup.com
VICE PRESIDENT POSITION CHANGES Occasionally, a situation devel-
2017 Vice President
John M. Stewart, CPG-11115 Greensboro, North Carolina
ops when the Executive Committee has to take action that arises from very unfortunate circumstances. Such a situation happened during the first week in November 2016. Matt Rhoades, the former New Mexico State Geologist and long- time active member of AIPG, was elected by the members this year to serve as the 2017 National Vice President. He welcomed us to Santa Fe, New Mexico for the National Conference in September and spoke at the Conference. Subsequently, as
a result of him no longer being the State Geologist, he decided to move back to Colorado.
The AIPG Bylaws specifically state that only one member of a state can be represented on the Executive Committee in a given year; Colorado is already represented by Jim Burnell, who becomes the 2017 National Secretary, so Matt has had to resign his position before it started. The Bylaws again provide guidelines for the Executive Committee to follow; they must appoint a CPG to fulfil the vacant position. I consulted with the President Elect, Adam Heft to ask him whether he would like the 2016 Board to resolve this issue now, or postpone it to
our first 2017 AIPG Board Meeting in January 2017. Adam’s choice was to handle it now, so he would have a full slate of officers next year. As a result of the discussion with Adam, I proposed to the Executive Committee by email ballot three choices – 1) to ask the other Vice President candidate from the 2016 election if he would still be willing to serve, 2) would they like to suggest a qualified candidate to propose for ballot by the Executive Committee, or 3) would one of the outgoing 2016 Board like to volunteer to stand for consideration.
By a significant majority, the Executive Committee respond- ed that they thought I should ask the other Vice President Candidate if he was willing to serve, then if he was not interested or unable to serve, we would move on to another selection process. I contacted Mr. John Stewart CPG from the Carolinas Section and he said he would serve as the 2017 Vice President, but regretted the circumstances in which the appointment had arisen, as we all do.
I want to thank both Matt and John for standing for elec- tion in the beginning, for Matt having the strength to make the very hard decision to resign and John for his gracious acceptance of the resulting vacancy. I also want to mention the 2016 Board in my thank you list. They have been hardwork- ing, efficient, incredibly responsive and an absolute pleasure to work with all year.
Helen V. Hickman PG CPG 2016 AIPG National President
www.aipg.org
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