Environmental Isotope Geochemistry

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course introduces students to principles of radiogenic and stable isotope geochemistry. Common radiogenic isotope methods are investigated including processes and equations of radioactive decay and the geochemical behavior of radiogenic isotopes in terrestrial systems. Isotope systematics of rocks, sediments, natural waters and the oceans and their significance as geologic and environmental tracers and as energy resources are explored. The course encompasses an investigation of the behavior of stable isotopes, their fractionation in terrestrial systems and stable isotope applications to environmental studies and renewable energy.