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The module teaches the use of isotopes in a host of different geological aspects. The first half of the course (geochronology) uses radioactive and radiogenic...

The module teaches the use of isotopes in a host of different geological aspects. The first half of the course (geochronology) uses radioactive and radiogenic isotopes to determine the age of different geological materials, from determining the age of the Earth, through to the exposure age of different sediments. the second half of the course examines the use of isotopes in non-dating techniques. This includes determining palaeo-climates, the evolution of atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide, through to examining the chemical structure of the mantle.

The module will:

introduce the physical and chemical processes that determine the isotopic composition of Earth materials, including nucleosynthesis, radioactivity and fractionation processes
	provide a basic understanding of mass spectrometry, and teach the student how to process raw mass spectrometer data using the R programming language
	derive the basic mathematical underpinnings of the radiometric age equation, isochrons and the U-Pb concordia diagram
	provide a rigorous background in error propagation
	provide a broad overview of the natural processes that can lead to mass-dependent fractionation of stable isotopes
	explain how stable isotopes measurements can be used to understand said natural processes, both in the solid Earth and its fluid envelopes.

Through laboratory work, the course introduces students to:

• the chemistry and physical properties of minerals;

• morphological elements of...

Through laboratory work, the course introduces students to:

• the chemistry and physical properties of minerals;

• morphological elements of crystallography;

• the optical properties of minerals, introduced in conjunction with use of the petrographic microscope;

• the physical, chemical and optical properties of the major rock-forming mineral groups.

Students will become familiar with the following concepts:

• phase diagrams;

• atomic structure and bonding in crystalline solids;

• principles of structural architecture: including close packing, coordination, number, interstitial sites, coordination polyedral;

• elementary crystallography;

• principles of crystal optics;

• use of the polarizing microscope.

In additon, they will have a thorough knowledge of the physical, chemical and optical properties of the major rock-forming mineral groups.