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Questions and Answers
What is the main objective of the Geochemistry course?
What is the main objective of the Geochemistry course?
- To focus on the economic aspects of geological processes
- To teach advanced geological surveying techniques
- To introduce students to the chemical processes that shaped the Earth (correct)
- To explore the historical development of geology
How many units is the Geochemistry course worth?
How many units is the Geochemistry course worth?
- Two (2) units
- Three (3) units (correct)
- Four (4) units
- Five (5) units
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a communication method for the instructor?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a communication method for the instructor?
- Consultation hours
- Face-to-face consultation only (correct)
- Mobile / Telegram
What additional perspective does the Geochemistry course aim to provide?
What additional perspective does the Geochemistry course aim to provide?
When are students advised to check in with the instructor for consultation?
When are students advised to check in with the instructor for consultation?
What is the primary focus of geochemistry?
What is the primary focus of geochemistry?
Which of the following processes are included in the study of geochemistry?
Which of the following processes are included in the study of geochemistry?
What does pure geochemistry focus on?
What does pure geochemistry focus on?
What are the prerequisites for the development of geochemistry?
What are the prerequisites for the development of geochemistry?
Which area does geochemistry extend beyond?
Which area does geochemistry extend beyond?
Who is considered the father of geochemistry?
Who is considered the father of geochemistry?
Which concept did Vladimir Vernadsky contribute to modern geochemistry?
Which concept did Vladimir Vernadsky contribute to modern geochemistry?
What did Alexander Fersman use to study the stability of minerals?
What did Alexander Fersman use to study the stability of minerals?
What did Norman Levi Bowen contribute to in the field of geology?
What did Norman Levi Bowen contribute to in the field of geology?
Which term refers to minerals that prefer to bond with rocks?
Which term refers to minerals that prefer to bond with rocks?
Which publication helped establish geochemistry as a legitimate component of earth science?
Which publication helped establish geochemistry as a legitimate component of earth science?
Which of the following classifications is not one of Goldschmidt's mineral categories?
Which of the following classifications is not one of Goldschmidt's mineral categories?
In which period did geochemists start focusing more on chemical reactions and processes?
In which period did geochemists start focusing more on chemical reactions and processes?
What was the primary aim of Lazarus Ercker's work in the 16th century?
What was the primary aim of Lazarus Ercker's work in the 16th century?
Which scientific advancement is attributed to Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff?
Which scientific advancement is attributed to Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff?
What significant tool did Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev create in 1869?
What significant tool did Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev create in 1869?
Which of the following chemical elements was not discovered between the years 1720 and 1850?
Which of the following chemical elements was not discovered between the years 1720 and 1850?
What was a primary focus of alchemists in the past?
What was a primary focus of alchemists in the past?
What does the 'Chemical cycles' topic primarily relate to?
What does the 'Chemical cycles' topic primarily relate to?
What advancements were made in analytical chemistry during the 18th century?
What advancements were made in analytical chemistry during the 18th century?
Which aspect of geochemistry is highlighted as beneficial to humanity?
Which aspect of geochemistry is highlighted as beneficial to humanity?
Which elements did early alchemists study that are mentioned in the content?
Which elements did early alchemists study that are mentioned in the content?
What discovery significantly advanced chemistry between 1850 and 1925?
What discovery significantly advanced chemistry between 1850 and 1925?
What is the primary purpose of using thermodynamics and solution chemistry in geology?
What is the primary purpose of using thermodynamics and solution chemistry in geology?
Which geochemistry subfield focuses on the chemical composition of environmental factors?
Which geochemistry subfield focuses on the chemical composition of environmental factors?
What technique would you use for analyzing mineral grains at a micron scale?
What technique would you use for analyzing mineral grains at a micron scale?
Which method is specifically mentioned for determining trace and major elements in materials?
Which method is specifically mentioned for determining trace and major elements in materials?
What does the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) primarily generate?
What does the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) primarily generate?
What is the main focus of isotope geochemistry?
What is the main focus of isotope geochemistry?
Which technique is used for examining the physico-chemical makeup of unknown solids?
Which technique is used for examining the physico-chemical makeup of unknown solids?
Which subfield of geochemistry would study chemical reactions in the Earth's interior?
Which subfield of geochemistry would study chemical reactions in the Earth's interior?
What critical concept does geochemistry explore regarding elemental distribution?
What critical concept does geochemistry explore regarding elemental distribution?
Which instrument is particularly adept at detecting metals at very low concentrations?
Which instrument is particularly adept at detecting metals at very low concentrations?
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Study Notes
Course Overview
- Undergraduate course worth three (3) units.
- Instructor: Edward Sunga Lucero, M.Sc., available for consultations by appointment.
- Course covers basic chemical processes shaping Earth’s evolution and synthesizes prior geology knowledge for a deeper understanding.
Definition and Significance of Geochemistry
- Geochemistry combines "geo" (Earth) and "khēmeia" (pour together), applying chemical principles to geochemical problems.
- Extends to the Solar System, aiding in studies of mantle convection, planet formation, and minerals origins.
- Focuses on understanding the distribution and re-distribution of elements and isotope ratios in Earth materials.
Historical Context
- Early inquiries by Lazarus Ercker in 1574 explored ore quality.
- The 18th century saw advancements in analytical chemistry, including the discovery of 46 chemical elements.
- Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff developed optical emission spectrograph technology, leading to the discovery of an additional 30 elements.
- Dmitri Mendeleev created the Periodic Table in 1869, categorizing elements by chemical properties.
Key Figures in Geochemistry
- Frank W. Clarke: Chief geochemist of the USGS; wrote "The Data of Geochemistry."
- Victor M. Goldschmidt: Innovated mineral classification based on chemical affinity.
- Vladimir Vernadsky emphasized the role of living organisms in geological processes, contributing to the "Gaia Hypothesis."
Modern Developments in Geochemistry
- The 1950s marked a shift toward studying chemical reactions and processes.
- Norman Levi Bowen contributed foundational work in igneous petrology, developing Bowen’s reaction series.
- Brian Mason's publication "Principles of Geochemistry" established geochemistry as a discipline.
- Robert M. Garrels and Konrad Krauskopf advanced understanding of mineral stability and ion mobility.
Subfields of Modern Geochemistry
- Cosmochemistry and Isotope Geochemistry examine elemental and isotopic compositions.
- Biogeochemistry explores the interface of biology and geology.
- Environmental Geochemistry studies the impact of chemicals in the environment.
- Exploration Geochemistry aids in identifying mineral resources.
Objectives of Geochemistry
- Analyze the distribution of chemical elements in Earth and the Solar System.
- Investigate mineral formation, crystallization, weathering, and metamorphism.
- Develop geochemical cycles for understanding past operations and future changes.
Common Techniques in Geochemistry
- Electron Probe Microanalyzer (EPMA): Analyzes minerals at micron scales.
- X-Ray Diffraction (XRD): Investigates unknown solids' physical and chemical properties.
- X-ray Fluorescence (XRF): Analyzes major and trace elements in rocks and minerals.
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS): Detects trace metals at low concentrations.
Additional Analytical Techniques
- Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM): Produces high-resolution images and analyzes spatial chemical compositions.
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICPAES): Measures physicochemical makeup of solids.
- Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS): Analyzes elemental and isotopic compositions of solid surfaces.
- Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS): Measures isotope ratios for geochronology.
Concluding Notes
- Questions or clarifications can be directed to the instructor using provided contact details.
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