The principles of natural light stable isotopic fractionation processes are used to quantitatively reconstruct marine paleoenvironments from the isotopic composition of fossil shells, as well as bulk and compound specific organic matter. Minor and trace elements in biogenic carbonates are introduced as additional proxies for physicochemical parameters. Their applicability and reliability together with isotopic proxies are discussed in a number of examples from selected case studies and a variety of geological times in Earth¹s history.

The aim of the course is a principle knowledge of stable isotope fractionation in marine biogeochemical processes as well as the application of isotopes and trace elements in paleoenvironmental research

Modul exam (written) on selected topics out of all courses

written exam

J. Hoefs 2005: Stable isotopes. Springer, Berlin.
Open University 2005: Marine Geochemistry. Pergamon Press.
Specific literature for case studies will be provided.