Advanced Geochemistry - Einzelansicht

Content

Whereas the geological evolutions of most other stony planets in our solar system have come to a halt billions of years ago, planet Earth, after 4,5 billion years, is still a dynamic system due to a vigorous mantle convection. Moreover, Earth is first and foremost a chemical system and using the tools of geochemistry to solve geological problems, we can understand Earth and how it works.

This course will focus on fundamental processes that gave rise to the characteristic geochemical features of the oceanic and continental crust, and the mantle. It will provide essential insights into magmatic processes (differentiation, assimilation and contamination, partial melting), role and use of major and trace elements, geochemical classification of magmatic rocks, variation diagrams, element behaviour during melting and fractionation, simple fractionation and melting models, selected phase diagrams, the structure and mineralogy of the shallow and deep mantle, generation of basaltic magmas at oceanic spreading ridges, oceanic intraplate magmatism, plume magmatism, continental flood basalts, layered mafic intrusions, magmatism in subduction settings (island arcs and continental arcs), granitoids, continental alkaline magmatism, anorthosites. Furthermore, alkaline vs. sub-alkaline rocks: classification, AFM diagram, alumina saturation index. Introduction to dating methods (Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd), isochrons, introduction to the U-Th-Pb system (decay equations, Concordia diagram), the Lu-Hf system in zircon, the geochemical and Sr-Nd-Pb(-Hf) isotope composition of the continental crust and the different mantle reservoirs. The geochemical evolution of the Earth since Precambrian times will be addressed, and standard analytical techniques will be explained.

Similar to studying mathematics or a foreign language, it is no use studying geochemistry without practicing. For this reason, several carefully prepared home works will be offered, which you can solve alone or in a group. Pitfalls and solutions will be jointly discussed in the lecture of the ensuing week. This home work is not compulsory, but it is nevertheless highly recommended to participate. 

The students:

-          gain an understanding of the chemical composition of the Earth and other planets, and the chemical processes that affect them

-          gain familiarity with analytical methods used for geochemical analyses

-          learn to analyse modern research questions in geochemistry by studying the literature on a chosen topic

-          are able to critically analyze scientific literature containing geochemical data

-          acquire the ability to critically analyse, interpret and present data.