Isotope Geochemistry and Geochronology
A.Y. 2018/2019
Learning objectives
The course aims to allow the student to use stable and radiogenic isotopes to track natural and anthropogenic process in the different earth reservoirs. The course also aims to allow the student to understand and apply the most used techniques for the geochronology of rock and minerals. The activity in the laboratory aims to apply to natural cases the arguments described during the course.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will acquire the basic knowledge to understand the principal isotope systematics used in the geosciences and how they are applied to track planet evolution and the evolution of the environment. The student will also acquire the basic knowledge of radiometric dating and the tools to choose between the different dating techniques as a function of the study case. Particular attention will be given to interpretation and evaluation of radiometric ages.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
ISOTOPE GEOCHEMISTRY AND GEOCHRONOLOGY
Radiogenic isotopes: 1) Nucleosynthesis, nuclear decay and mass spectrometry. 2) The Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd methods applied to: geochronology (of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks), to earth differentiation processes and to seawater evolution. 3) Pb isotopes: U-Pb dating of U-rich minerals (zircon, monazite rutile); common Pb and crustal evolution; environmental Pb. 4) Isotope geochemistry of oceanic volcanic and continental rocks. 5) Basics on Lu-Hf, Re-Os and Rare-gas methods. 6) K-Ar and Ar-Ar dating. 7) U-series dating.
Stable Isotopes: 1) Terminology, Standards and Mass Spectrometry. 2) Equilibrium Isotope Fractionation. 3) Stable isotopes in the Hydrosphere and Oceans. 4) Biogenic Carbonates: Oxygen. 5) Carbon in the Low-Temperature Environment 6) Nitrogen. 7) Sulfur. 8) Applications to igneous and metamorphic petrology and Extraterrestrial Materials.
Radiogenic isotopes: 1) Nucleosynthesis, nuclear decay and mass spectrometry. 2) The Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd methods applied to: geochronology (of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks), to earth differentiation processes and to seawater evolution. 3) Pb isotopes: U-Pb dating of U-rich minerals (zircon, monazite rutile); common Pb and crustal evolution; environmental Pb. 4) Isotope geochemistry of oceanic volcanic and continental rocks. 5) Basics on Lu-Hf, Re-Os and Rare-gas methods. 6) K-Ar and Ar-Ar dating. 7) U-series dating.
Stable Isotopes: 1) Terminology, Standards and Mass Spectrometry. 2) Equilibrium Isotope Fractionation. 3) Stable isotopes in the Hydrosphere and Oceans. 4) Biogenic Carbonates: Oxygen. 5) Carbon in the Low-Temperature Environment 6) Nitrogen. 7) Sulfur. 8) Applications to igneous and metamorphic petrology and Extraterrestrial Materials.
GEO/08 - GEOCHEMISTRY AND VOLCANOLOGY - University credits: 6
Practicals: 12 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Farina Federico
Shifts:
Professor:
Farina Federico
Turno I
Professor:
Farina FedericoTurno II
Professor:
Farina FedericoProfessor(s)