This course focuses on geochemical application of radiogenic isotopes by following the textbook "Geochemistry" by W. White. The basic knowledge about radiogenic isotopes will be given in the first seven classes. In the second half of the course, students will make presentations regarding the topics below;
1) Classical but essential tracers (Sr, Nd, Pb)
2) K-Ar and Ar-Ar dating
3) Rare gas geochemistry
4) Non traditional isotopes
At the end of this course, students will be able to understand:
1) principles for radioactive decay and the origin of isotopes
2) geochemical applications of radiogenic isotopes
3) dating of earth's materials
4) geochemical evolution of mantle and crust
Radiogenic isotopes, Mantle, Crust, Chemical evolution, Chronology
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Before coming to class, students should read the course schedule and prepare for the topics with handouts and references.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Structure of nuclei | Understanding of elemental particles |
Class 2 | Origin of elements | Understanding of stellar nucleosynthesis |
Class 3 | Stability of nuclei | Understanding of binding energy and Weizsäcker's formula |
Class 4 | Radioactive decay | Understanding of the styles and equation of radioacitive decay |
Class 5 | Geochronology (absolute ages) | Understanding of isochron |
Class 6 | Geochronology (relative ages) | Understanding of isochron for short-lived nuclides |
Class 7 | Geochronology (radioactive disequilibrium) | Understanding of the principle of U-series disequilibrium |
Class 8 | Presentation 1 (Rb-Sr system) | Understanding of Rb-Sr radiometric dating and its application |
Class 9 | Presentation 2 (Sm-Nd system) | Understanding of Sm-Nd radiometric dating and its application |
Class 10 | Presentation 3 (U-Th-Pb system) | Understanding of U-Th-Pb radiometric dating and its application |
Class 11 | Presentation 4 (rare gas isotopes) | Understanding of rare gas geochemistry |
Class 12 | Presentation 5 (Re-Os system) | Understanding of Re-Os radiometric dating and its application |
Class 13 | Presentation 6 (14C dating) | Understanding of 14C radiometric dating and its application |
Class 14 | Presentation 7 (geochemical evolution of continental crust) | Understnding of the chemical and isotopic evolution of continental crust |
Class 15 | Presentation 7 (geochemical evolution of mantle) | Understnding of the chemical and isotopic evolution of mantle |
W.M. White "Geochemistry" Wiley-Blackwell
Handouts will be provided during the class
Students will be assessed on their understanding of the geochemical application of radiogenic isotopes.
Students' course scores are based on discussion during the class (30%) and group presentation (70%).
No prerequisites