Introduction to Geochemistry

We will convey basic knowledge regarding the origin of the solar system and elements as well as the chemical composition of the Earth. These basics are essential for all geochemisty related subjects in subsequent semesters.
Key geochemical concepts such as fluxes, reservoirs, and residence times will be introduced and illustrated with examples. Isotopes are introduced and their utility as geochemical tracers as well as sources of information about geobiological processes will demonstrated with examples. The hydrological cycle will be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on the physical and chemical properties of water, physicochemical reactions in solution, and on water-rock reactions. In organic chemistry, we will introduce chemical compound classes, natural products, and introductory knowledge in stereochemistry. The knowledge will be required for an understanding of the composition of organic matter in sedimentary rocks. Chemical degradation reactions that occur in nature on a range of temporal scales will be treated. Additionally, relevant basic knowledge in analytical techniques such as chromatographic separation and mass spectrometry will be discussed.

The students will gain basic knwoledge of chemical principles that are relevant to the geosciences and required for subsequent emphasis of geochemistry as well as a mechanistic understanding of numerous general investigative techniques within the geosciences.

Written exam

written exam

1) Walther: Essentials of Geochemistry, Cambridge University Press
2) Langmuir, Aqueous Environmental Geochemistry, Prentice Hall

1st SWS: Origin of elements, origin and evolution of solar system and planet Earth
2nd SWS: Geochemical affinity of elements and chemical differentiation of Earth
3rd SWS: Reservoirs, Fluxes, Residence times; Concepts and Examples
4th SWS: Distribution laws, rates, time scales; Concepts and Examples
5th SWS: Isotopes as geochemical tracers
6th SWS: Water cycles
7th SWS: Physicochemical properties of water
8th SWS: Reactions in aqueous solutions
9th SWS: Water-rock reactions; mineral dissolution and precipitation
10th SWS: Classes of compounds in organic chemistry; functional groups
11th SWS: Natural products of relevance in geosciences, Introduction to stereochemistry
12th SWS: Basics of analytical methods in organic geochemistry, stable isotopes of organic molecules
13th SWS: Introduction to the biomarker concept, from primary production to deep burial
14th SWS: Exam