Isotope Geochemistry

COURSE OBJECTIVE
Understanding the basic principles of isotope geochemistry and to apply the fundamental principles to earth scientific processes. The course treats both radiogenic and stable isotope techniques. An important concept is to understand by working through exercises.

COURSE CONTENT
Radiogenic and stable isotopes are used widely in the Earth Sciences to determine the ages of the rocks and minerals, meteorites and archaeological objects, and as traces to understand geological and environmental processes. Isotope methods determine the age of the earth, help to reconstruct the climate of the past, explain the formation of the chemical elements in the Universe. Isotope geochemistry provides unique information of the evolution of our Planet Earth since 4.5 Ga ago and variations in the isotopic ratios are the clues to our understanding of the origin and history of gasses, liquids and solid material on Earth and the physical-chemical-biological processes that have been and still are active in our dynamic System Earth.

The course treats the following:

• Fundamentals of Radioactive and Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry
• Geochronology: long-lived radioactive decay systems
• Radiogenic Isotopic tracers: evolution of Mantle, Crust and Sediments
• Geochronology: short-lived radioactive decay systems
• Stable isotopes: isotope fractionation and applications to Paleoclimatology

TEACHING METHODS
Lectures and classes for excercises, self-study. Total hours, including classes for excercises, is 51.75

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Exam and retake consists of two parts. Part 1 determines 2/3 and part 2 1/3 of the final mark. Course work is expected to be completed as preparation for the exam but no mark is given.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Geochemistry for Earth Scientists; Introduction Inorganic Chemistry

TARGET AUDIENCE 2
nd year students Minor Solid Earth (Geology and Geochemistry).