Book excerpt: The second edition of this book reflects the rapid growth in the field of uranium-series disequilibrium during the past decade. The new edition presents a comprehensive discussion of theory and analytical methodology, emphasizing applications to problems in the Earth, marine, and environmental sciences where the phenomenon of disruption in naturally occurring decay series has facilitated so much productive research. To this end, the editors have drawn upon the experience and expertise of leading practitioners in each specialized area. This book should thus serve both as a reference text and a practical manual for graduate students and researchers in geochemistry, isotope hydrology, environmental science, sedimentology, Earth science, and archaeology.