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.