Geochemistry Lecture Notes

Molecular Biogeochemistry

This note covers all aspects of molecular biosignatures, such as their pathways of lipid biosynthesis, the distribution patterns of lipid biosynthetic pathways with regard to phylogeny and physiology, isotopic contents, occurrence in modern organisms and environments, diagenetic pathways, analytical techniques and the occurrence of molecular fossils through the geological record.

Author(s): Prof. Roger Summons, Dr. Florence Schubotz, Dr. Julio Sepulveda and Dr. Paula Welander

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Geochemistry Lecture Note by Ken Rubin

This note covers the following topics: Geochemical Fundamentals, Low Temperature Geochemistry: The hydrologic cycle and sedimentary systems, High Temperature and Planetary Geochemistry.

Author(s): Ken Rubin

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Geochemistry Of The Mantle

The central objective of this lecture in a deeper understanding of mantle interaction. Topics include: history of ocean basins, formation of MORBs and OIB's, mantle geochemistry, mantle heterogeneity; slab recycling, mantle models.

Author(s): Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Siebel

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Marine Geochemistry

This note looks at the oceans and is an introduction to marine chemistry. The sub-topics of this lecture includes: ocean dynamic topography, ocean temperature and salinity; oceanic circulation; thermohaline circulation, carbon cycle, composition of sea water; variations of sea water through time, hot vents and cold seeps, ferromanganese nodules, gas hydrates, radiogenic isotopes  in the oceans, U-disequilibrium dating and sedimentation rates.

Author(s): B. Saini-Eidukat

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Medical Geology/Geochemistry An Exposure

This course note introduces students to the basic concepts of Medical Geology/Geochemistry. Medical Geology or Geochemistry is the study of the interaction between abundances of elements and isotopes and the health of humans and plants. Topics covered includes: Classification of Elements, Elemental Link Between Geosphere and Biosphere, Essential and Non-essential Elements with Reference to Human Health, Selection of Elements for Report and Presentation,NORM (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material), TENORM, MIT-EAPS Neutron Activation Analysis Laboratory - Hands on Experience and Dust Storms.

Author(s): Dr. Ila Pillalamarri

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Trace Element Geochemistry

This lecture note explains the use Trace Element Geochemistry to understand the origin and evolution of igneous rocks. The approach is to discuss the parameters that control partitioning of trace elements between phases and to develop models for the partitioning of trace elements between phases in igneous systems, especially between minerals and melt. Beginnings of geochemistry, Thermodynamic consideration of TE solid solutions, Partition coefficient, Ionic model for bonding, Nomenclature for trace element classification, Determination of partition coefficients,  Trace element abundance variations in simple melt-solid systems, Fractional crystallization, Fractional melting, Complex melting models, Constraints on melt models arising from disequilibrium in the Th-U decay system, Ion exchange chromatography.

Author(s): Prof. Frederick Frey

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