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651-3501-00L 3 Credits BSC D-ERDW
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Isotope geochemistry and isotope geology

Isotopengeochemie und Isotopengeologie

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Heinrich Baur, Prof. Dr. Stefano Bernasconi, Dr. Bernard Bourdon, Dr. Felix Oberli
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:24:25

Abstract

Following a short introduction into nuclear physics, the course will focus 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

Available

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.

General Information

Language
German
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 Isotopengeochemie und Isotopengeologie
  • Wed 13:15-15:00 (CAB G 59)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • Earth Sciences Bachelor (Information about the Bachelor-studies: )
    • 5. Semester Majors BSc
      • Major in Geology
        • Major in Geology: Core Courses (From the offered core courses in autumn and spring semester, 27 credits have to be acquired.)
        • Major in Geology: Electives (From the offered elective courses in autumn and spring semester 8 credits must be acquired. Primarily courses from the core courses of BSc Earth Sciences have to be selected. Other elective courses from the ETH and University of Zurich are possible, however they must be granted by the advisor of geology (Professor W. Winkler). Courses of the paleontology of the University of Zurich (further offer under ): The following courses from the offer of the UZH are available:)
      • Major in Geophysics
        • Major in Geophysics: Core Courses (From the offered core courses in autumn and spring semester, 27 credits have to be acquired.)
        • Major in Geophysics: Electives (From all elective courses offered in the autumn and spring semester, 12 credits have to be acquired. In the autumn semester, primarliy core courses from the entire BSc-program "Earth Sciences" should be chosen. Other elective courses from ETH and University of Zurich are possible, however, have to be granted by the advisor, Prof. E. Kissling.)
      • Major in Climate and Water: Electives
        • Major in Climate and Water: Electives (From the offered elective courses during autumn (5th semester) and spring semester (6th semester), 24 credits have to be acquired. The choice of other courses has to be granted by the advisor (Dr. Olivia Martius).)