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651-3501-00L 3 Credits BSC D-ERDW
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Geochemistry II

Geochemie II

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Stefano Bernasconi, Prof. Dr. Maria Schönbächler
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:06

Abstract

The course focuses on the most important systems of radioactive and stable isotopes used in geochemistry and geology. Applications of isotope geochemistry for solving fundamental geological problems are discussed on the basis of case studies.

Objective

Development of a basic knowledge and understanding of the applications of the most important systems of stable and radiogenic isotopes.

Content

The following methods will be discussed in detail: the radioactive-radiogenic systems Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Th-Pb and K-Ar, as well as the stable isotope systems of oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and hydrogen. We will discuss how these methods are used in the following research fields: geochemistry of the earth, age dating, paleotemperature reconstructions, evolution of the crust and mantle reservoirs, sediment diagenesis, fluid rock interactions, hydrothermal activity, paleoceanography, biogeochemical cycles.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Slides are provided online.

Literature

- Gunter Faure and Teresa M. Mensing. (2005): Isotopes : principles and applications. 3nd Ed. John Wiley & Sons. 897.pp - Dickin A. P., Radiogenic Isotope Geology, (2005), Cambridge University Press - Sharp Z.D. (2006) Principles of stable isotope geochemistry. Prentice Hall 360 pp. can be downloaded for free from http://csi.unm.edu William White (2011) Geochemistry http://www.geo.cornell.edu/geology/classes/geo455/Chapters.HTML

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 60 minutes
Aids
Einfacher, nicht-kommunikationsfähiger Taschenrechner ohne Textspeicher
Die Schlussnote berechnet sich aus der schriftlichen Prüfung und die während des Semesters zu absolvierenden Übungen (Lernelemente, fakultativ), bieten eine Gelegenheit die Noten zu verbessern. Die Gesamtnote kann maximal um +0.25 verbessert werden. Die Maximalnote kann auch ohne die Lernelemente erzielt werden.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Geochemie II
  • Wed 14:15-16:00 (LEE C 104)
2 h weekly

Offered In