VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Radionuclides as Environmental Tracers
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:07
Abstract
Radionuclides stemming from natural and artificial sources are powerful tools that allow gaining a better understanding of a large range of environmental processes. This course will focus on cosmogenic and anthropogenic radionuclides and will provide a general overview about common applications and the use of tracers in the environment, e.g. to understand past climatic changes and ocean currents.
Objective
Students learn the basic facts about sources and fate of natural and artificial long-lived radionuclides (e.g. 14C, 26Al, 10Be, 129I 236U, Pu-isotopes, etc.). They gain insights into the different detection techniques, with special focus on accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). A selection of the numerous applications of the different radionuclides in oceanic, atmospheric and terrestrial processes will be studied.
Content
The course will include lectures, practical exercises and two excursions, namely the opportunity to visit the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL) and the AMS facilities at ETH (Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics). Lectures will cover: - an introduction to natural and artificial radionuclides; - a general overview of radionuclide detection, in particular AMS will be studied including a tour to the Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics; - applications of long-lived radionuclides in the different environmental compartments (oceans, atmosphere and terrestrial environments): o The use of 14C in oceanic, atmospheric and terrestrial studies including a tour to the WSL labs; o applications of 10Be in ice cores and marine sediments; o applications of nuclear wastes from nuclear accidents (e.g. Fukushima); o controlled releases from nuclear reprocessing plants and their role in understanding oceanic processes. Exercise classes will include an introduction to the Ocean Data View and basic course in applying box models to describe transport and mixing processes. As an evaluation, students will have to hand in a series of exercises related to the different topics of the lecture.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Radionuclides as Environmental Tracers
Does not take place this semester.
|
No time listed | 2 h weekly |
Offered In
-
-
Electives (Courses can be chosen from the complete offerings of the ETH Zurich and University of Zurich (according to prior agreement with the subject advisor).)
-