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Tracers in biogeochemistry
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:25:08
Abstract
The course introduces the scientific concepts and typical applications of tracers in biogeochemistry. The course will cover stable and radioactive isotopes, geochemical tracers and biomarkers and their application in quantifying biogeochemical processes as well as regional and global cycles. The course covers essential theoretical background for the lab course “Stable and radiogenic isotopes”
Objective
The course aims at understanding the fractionation of stable isotopes in biogeochemical processes. Students learn to know the origin and decay modes of relevant radiogenic isotopes. They discover the spectrum of possible geochemical tracers and biomarkers, their potential and limitations and get familiar with important applications
Content
Geogenic and cosmogenic radionuclides (sources, decay chains); stable isotopes in biogeochemistry (nataural abundance, fractionation); geochemical tracers for processes such as erosion, productivity, redox fronts; biomarkers for specific microbial processes.
Resources
Lecture Notes
handouts will be provided for every chapter
Literature
A list of relevant books and papers will be provided
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 60 minutes
- Aids
- Electronic calculator, lecture notes.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Tracers in biogeochemistry |
|
2 h weekly |