Book excerpt: Practical Petroleum Geochemistry for Exploration and Production, Second Edition provides readers with a single reference that addresses the principle concepts and applications of petroleum geochemistry used in finding, evaluating, and producing petroleum deposits. The revised volume includes a new chapter on environmental forensic applications of petroleum geochemistry. With the current emphasis on environmental issues (pollution, climate changes, and corporate responsibility), information about how petroleum geochemistry can be used to recognize these problems, determine their source, help identify who is responsible, and how these problems may be mitigated are vital to efficient and economical operation of a project from exploration to production to abandonment. Practical Petroleum Geochemistry for Exploration and Production, Second Edition will continue to serve as a foundational reference to understanding the underpinning of the science, as well as a source of references that the reader can use to find detailed descriptions of methods and protocols. - Emphasizes the practical application of geochemistry in solving exploration and production problems - Features more than 200 illustrations, tables, diagrams, and case studies to underscore key concepts - Authored by an expert geochemist with over 40 years of experience in field-based research, applications, and instruction - New edition includes a chapter on environmental issues (impact, climate change, pollution, and corporate responsibility), as well as expanded coverage of topics such as hydrates as unconventional resources; geomicrobial methods (especially DNA analysis) and the use of sea surface slicks from seafloor seeps in surface geochemistry; using GC x GC and asphaltene FTIR in oil correlation studies; and interpretation isotope data for the maturity of thermogenic natural gas