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651-3400-00L 4 Credits BSC D-ERDW
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Geochemistry

Geochemie

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Bernard Bourdon, Prof. Dr. Andreas Stracke
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:19:26

Abstract

Introduction to geochemistry and its application to the study of the origin and evolution of the Earth and planets.

Objective

Gain an overview of geochemical methods used in various fields of Earth Sciences and how they can be applied to study geological processes in the Earth’s mantle, crust, oceans and atmosphere.

Content

This course is an introduction to geochemistry with a special focus on the basic concepts used in this rapidly evolving field. The first section of this course deals with the geochemist’s toolbox: the basic chemical and nuclear properties of elements from the periodic table and how these elements can be used to ask fundamental questions in the Earth Sciences. The important concepts used in solid-solution-gas equilibria are introduced. The concepts of chemical reservoirs and geochemical cycles are introduced with examples from the carbon cycle in the Earth. The last section of the course deals with applications in low-temperature and high-temperature geochemistry, including the formation of continents, the differentiation of the Earth, the geochemistry of ocean and continental waters.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Available

Literature

H. Y. McSween et al.: Geochemistry - Pathways and Processes 2nd ed. Columbia Univ. Press (2003) G. Faure: Principles & applications of inorganic geochemistry McMillan, New York (1991) William White (1999-2005) Geochemistry http://www.geo.cornell.edu/geology/classes/geo455/Chapters.HTML

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 60 minutes
Aids
Taschenrechner

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Geochemie
  • Wed 14:15-17:00 (CAB G 51)
2 h weekly

Offered In