Aquatic Geochemical Oceanography provides a comprehensive review of the quantitative study of the geochemistry of the ocean. It outlines the basic principles of aquatic chemistry, with instruction and tools to develop an in-depth understanding of the distribution of elements and compounds in the ocean and how they transform based on their fundamental chemical properties. Geochemical oceanography includes processes that occur on a wide range of spatial and temporal scales; from global to regional to local to microscopic spatial dimensions and time scales from geological epochs to glacial-interglacial to millennial, decadal, interannual, seasonal, diurnal and all the way to microseconds. Emphasis has been placed on trace elements, the carbonate system, gases and oxidation-reduction environments.
Geochemical oceanography will continue to be an exciting, dynamic and vibrant field as the earth's population deals with the effects of the increase in fossil fuel CO₂ and other anthropogenic trace gases causing global warming and ocean acidification. Students of this material will obtain the core marine chemical skillset and familiarity with current research topics to address the key questions in addressing global change, preparing them for a diverse range of future career paths.