Understanding our fragile environment; Lessons from geochemical studies

Abstract

As part of the special interest series, Public Issues in Earth Science, published by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), this Circular describes the importance of the earth sciences in the investigation of environmental problems. The report focuses on geochemistry-the study of the amounts, distribution, and cycling of chemical elements in the Earth and atmosphere-and how this science helps to evaluate critical issues that relate to our fragile environment.