Analytical techniques for studying environmental and geologic samples

Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1 hour / session

Labs: 2 sessions / week, 2.5 hours / session

Students need permission from instructors to enroll.

This course focuses on analytical facilities that are used to determine elemental and isotopic abundances in soils, rocks, minerals, and fluids. Emphasis is on isotopic ratios of Sr, Nd, and Pb, which can be used for geochronology, and abundances of trace elements such as Rb, Sr, Cu, Cd, Hg, rare-earths, Pb, Th, and U. Analytical techniques include mass spectrometry, emission spectrometry, atomic absorption, neutron activation, and electron microprobe. A major lab project utilizes these techniques to address specific environmental and geologic problems.

30% on homework assignments and 70% on final report.

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