GEOL 330 - Introduction to Geochemistry

Credits: 3

Description
The fundamental geochemical processes operating within the earth’s lithosphere, hydrosphere and the atmosphere. Topics will include chemical differentiation of the Earth, crystal chemistry, mineral stability and phase diagrams, aqueous geochemistry, isotope geochemistry, organic chemistry.

Student Learning Outcomes

Compare the composition of the Earth´s main geochemical reservoirs.
Demonstrate element fractionation and how this can be used to understand endogenous and exogenous geochemical and geobiological processes.
Explain fractionation of stable isotopes and how such data can be used to understand various geochemical and geobiological processes.
Explain how radiogenic isotope signatures can be used to trace the source of minerals, rocks, and fluids.
Demonstrate the use of geochronology to date magmatic and metamorphic events.
Illustrate how chemical weathering of minerals and rocks control the composition of sediments/soil and natural water and explain why carbon dioxide and the carbonate system play an important role in weathering reactions.
Describe the main global carbon reservoirs and the most important processes that control the global carbon cycle.

Prerequisite: CHEM 122; and MATH 127 or higher; and NRES 322 all with a grade of C or higher