JEO 421E - Geochemistry

Course Objectives

1. To provide a comprehensive introduction to geochemistry and familiarize you with the basic
geochemical principles those are relevant to the study of Earth science. 2. To gain an understanding of geochemistry by using basic geochemical principles to explain, interpret and predict common processes in Earth science. 3. To recognize how an understanding of basic geochemical concepts can increase our understanding of the Earth system.

Course Description

The material covered will include: Geochemical fundamentals (crystal chemistry-principles and rules for atomic substitution); cosmochemistry (composition of universe - sun, planets and meteorites), radiogenic isotopes and Earth differentiation (composition and evolution of Earth and its reservoirs - core, mantle, crust, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere); crustal geochemistry; Earth surface geochemistry; hydrothermal geochemistry; stable isotope fundamentals; Major and trace element behaviour in magmatic processes-melting and crystallization models. Products of magmatic processes-volcanics and granitoids. Geochemistry in sedimentary and metamorphic processes.