GEOL 335 Geochemistry

Fall 2018, Section 001, 3 credits

MW 9:30-10:45, SIMS 201

 

Instructor: Dr. Diana Boyer                            

Office: Sims 212B

e-mail: boyerd@winthrop.edu

Office hours: Monday 1:30-3, Thurs 8:30-9:30 and by appointment and by appointment

Required Text: Biogeochemistry an Analysis of Global Change, by William H Schlesinger an Emily S Bernhardt, 3rd edition

Supplemental Texts (supplemental material will be provided online)

Geochemistry: Pathways and Processes, by McSween, Harry Y., Richardson, Steven McAfee, Uhle, Maria E., 2003 (ebook in the library)

Geochemistry, by William M White, 2013 (ebook in the library)

Additional excerpts from primary literature (journal articles)

 

 

This course brings together concepts from chemistry, biology, geology, and physics to introduce the student to the field of Geochemistry.  This course will explore concepts in high temperature geochemistry, primarily planetary formation and radiogenic isotopes used for dating, but will largely focus on low temperature geochemical processes and records with emphasis on biogeochemistry. You will be introduced to aspects of the hydrological cycle, sedimentary geochemistry and ultimately how these records can be used to interpret different aspects of our dynamic planet.  Course topics include:

 

• Formation of the universe and solar system

• Differentiation of the core, mantle and crust of the Earth

• Terrestrial, ocean and freshwater environments

            • The global carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycles

            • Biogeochemical cycles through time

 

Course Goals: The overall objective of the course is to have students develop an interdisciplinary appreciation for how the Earth’s chemistry is influenced by physical, biological, and geological processes, and how geochemical proxies can be used as a tool to understand our planet.

 

Grading:

In class/homework assignments                    30%

Writing Assignment                                        20%

3 exams (10% each)                                        30%

Final Exam                                                       20 %

 

 

 

Date

Topics

Readings to complete for this day

22-Aug

Introduction to geochemistry-review

27-Aug

More on atoms, bonds, and the basics, something about rocks/minerals

 White chap 1 (in library), McSween, et al, Chap 2

29-Aug

Formation of universe-meteorites

Schlesinger chap 2 15-28

3-Sep

Labor day

5-Sep

Oxygenation of the Earth, evolution of the atmosphere

Schlesinger chap 2 28-48

10-Sep

Structure and chemistry of the Earth

White p. 15-19, Mcsween et al, p 227-233

12-Sep

Earth, minerals, crystal structures

White p. 15-19, Mcsween et al, p 227-233

17-Sep

Exam 1

19-Sep

The mantle/core, magma differentiation and intro to age dating

McSween et al, p246-297

24-Sep

Radiometric dating

McSween et al, p246-297

26-Sep

Lithosphere-weathering reactions

Schlesinger chap 4,  p. 93-103

1-Oct

Weathering continued

Schlesinger chap 4 p. 119-133

3-Oct

Trace metals, biomarkers, introduction to stable isotopes

McSween et al, 105-109 biomarkers

8-Oct

Stable isotope applications-oxygen

TBD

10-Oct

Exam 2

15-Oct

No classes fall break

17-Oct

Freshwater systems, rivers and human impacts

Schlesinger Chap 8 p. 308-340

22-Oct

Ocean circulation, ions and carbonates

Schlesinger chap 9 p 341-365

24-Oct

Ocean chemistry through time

TBD

29-Oct

Low oxygen in the oceans

Schlesinger chap 9 p 382-388

31-Oct

Biogeochemical cycles

Schlesinger Chap 5

5-Nov

No Class-GSA meeting

7-Nov

Carbon cycle

Schlesinger Chap 11

12-Nov

Nitrogen, phosphorus cycles

Schlesinger Chap 12

14-Nov

Stable isotope applications-carbon

TBD

19-Nov

Exam 3

21-Nov

Thanksgiving

26-Nov

Stable isotope applications-Mo, S, U

TBD

28-Nov

Paleoclimatology

Albarade Chap 9

3-Dec

Paleoclimatology

10-Dec

11:30 am final exam

 

Schedule and topics are subject to change.