Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main focus of geochemistry?
What is the main focus of geochemistry?
In what processes does geochemistry help interpret the formation of mineral assemblages?
In what processes does geochemistry help interpret the formation of mineral assemblages?
What is one role of geochemistry in forecasting crude oil quality?
What is one role of geochemistry in forecasting crude oil quality?
Which aspect of geochemistry involves predicting changes in mineral assemblages under different conditions?
Which aspect of geochemistry involves predicting changes in mineral assemblages under different conditions?
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How does geochemistry contribute to understanding the Earth's structure and composition?
How does geochemistry contribute to understanding the Earth's structure and composition?
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What field of study focuses on the effect of life on the chemistry of the earth?
What field of study focuses on the effect of life on the chemistry of the earth?
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Which subset of geochemistry involves the determination of the relative and absolute concentrations of elements and their isotopes in the Earth and on Earth's surface?
Which subset of geochemistry involves the determination of the relative and absolute concentrations of elements and their isotopes in the Earth and on Earth's surface?
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What is the analysis of the distribution of elements and their isotopes in the cosmos known as?
What is the analysis of the distribution of elements and their isotopes in the cosmos known as?
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Which field of study examines the role of various elements in watersheds?
Which field of study examines the role of various elements in watersheds?
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In geochemistry, what is the study of processes and compounds derived from living or once-living organisms called?
In geochemistry, what is the study of processes and compounds derived from living or once-living organisms called?
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What subset of geochemistry deals with applications to environmental, hydrological, and mineral exploration studies?
What subset of geochemistry deals with applications to environmental, hydrological, and mineral exploration studies?
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What is the main focus of geochemistry according to the text?
What is the main focus of geochemistry according to the text?
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Which process explains the formation and abundance of elements in the solar system?
Which process explains the formation and abundance of elements in the solar system?
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What did Goldschmidt contribute to geochemistry?
What did Goldschmidt contribute to geochemistry?
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Which area is primarily studied in isotope geochemistry?
Which area is primarily studied in isotope geochemistry?
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What does geochemistry utilize to explain geological systems?
What does geochemistry utilize to explain geological systems?
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What are the major geological systems studied in geochemistry?
What are the major geological systems studied in geochemistry?
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Study Notes
Course Overview
- Contact hours: 4 hours lectures + 3 hours practical per week for one semester
- Credits: 16
- Course assessment: 40% CA (at least one assignment, two tests, and five graded practicals) + 60% examination (1 x 3-hour paper)
Geochemistry Fundamentals
- Geochemistry utilizes chemistry to explain the workings of major geological systems (Earth's mantle, crust, oceans, atmosphere)
- Composition, structure, processes, and physical aspects of the Earth
- Distribution of chemical elements in rocks
Scope of Geochemistry
- Study of the chemical composition of the Earth and other planets
- Chemical compositions of the major parts of the Earth (inferred from Abee enstatite chondrite)
- Chemical processes and reactions governing rock, water, and soil composition
Focus of Geochemistry
- Understanding principles governing element distribution and redistribution in earth materials
- Interpreting mineral assemblage formation (conditions, processes, age)
- Predicting changes in mineral assemblages under different conditions
Subfields of Geochemistry
- Isotope geochemistry: Determination of element and isotope concentrations in the earth and on the surface
- Cosmochemistry: Analysis of element and isotope distribution in the cosmos
- Biogeochemistry: Study of life's effect on the earth's chemistry
- Organic geochemistry: Role of living/once-living organisms in geochemical processes
- Water geochemistry: Understanding elements in watersheds
- Regional, environmental, and exploration geochemistry: Applications to environmental, hydrological, and mineral exploration studies
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Description
Test your knowledge on the cycles of matter and energy in the Earth's chemical components, including isotope geochemistry. Explore the distribution and movements of elements in different parts of the Earth and minerals.
