Geosc416

GEOSC 416

STABLE AND RADIOGENIC ISOTOPES IN GEOSCIENCES: INTRODUCTION

Instructor: Prof. Hiroshi Ohmoto

Time: Tuesday, Thursday 9:45 - 11:00

Room: 341 Deike

Synopsis

Investigations of abundance ratios of various isotopes in a variety of materials (e.g., rocks, minerals, waters, air, biological products) have become essential in order to understand many important problems related to the chemical, biological, and geological processes on Earth and the Universe. These problems include, but are not restricted to: the origins of elements; the ages and origins of the Universe, Solar Systems, Earth, and Moon; the ages and origins of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks; the chemical and thermal evolution of the core, mantle, continents, oceans, and atmosphere; the processes of water-rock interactions; the geochemical cycles of elements; the climate history; the evolution and distribution of organisms through geologic history; local and global hydrological problems; and air and water pollution problems. We will discuss the principles of both isotope variation in natural systems and of applying isotope systematics to solve various geological problems. We will also provide examples of important scientific concepts on various geological problems that have recently developed from applications of isotope geochemistry. Approximately two-thirds of the lectures/discussions will be based on the materials in the textbook and approximately one-third on recent research publications. Discussions on some topics will be led by prominent guest lecturers.

Text Book

Gunter Faure “Principles of Isotope Geology 3 nd Ed.”, John Wiley & Sons, (2004).



			GEOSC 416 STABLE AND RADIOGENIC ISOTOPES IN GEOSCIENCES: INTRODUCTION Instructor: Prof. Hiroshi Ohmoto Time: Tuesday, Thursday 9:45 - 11:00 Room: 341 Deike Synopsis Investigations of abundance ratios of various isotopes in a variety of materials (e.g., rocks, minerals, waters, air, biological products) have become essential in order to understand many important problems related to the chemical, biological, and geological processes on Earth and the Universe. These problems include, but are not restricted to: the origins of elements; the ages and origins of the Universe, Solar Systems, Earth, and Moon; the ages and origins of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks; the chemical and thermal evolution of the core, mantle, continents, oceans, and atmosphere; the processes of water-rock interactions; the geochemical cycles of elements; the climate history; the evolution and distribution of organisms through geologic history; local and global hydrological problems; and air and water pollution problems. We will discuss the principles of both isotope variation in natural systems and of applying isotope systematics to solve various geological problems. We will also provide examples of important scientific concepts on various geological problems that have recently developed from applications of isotope geochemistry. Approximately two-thirds of the lectures/discussions will be based on the materials in the textbook and approximately one-third on recent research publications. Discussions on some topics will be led by prominent guest lecturers. Text Book Gunter Faure “Principles of Isotope Geology 3 nd Ed.”, John Wiley & Sons, (2004).