Isotope Geochemistry

Period: second semester

Course unit contents:

The course is designed to provide an introduction to the principles and applications of isotope geochemistry. We first focus our interest on what factors govern nucleus stability and trigger radioactivity. An understanding of how stable and radioactive nuclides are generated is then achieved by studying nucleosynthetic processes. The foundations of stable isotope geochemistry are then reviewed. A special emphasis is put on their use in cosmochemistry, geothermometry, hydrology and paleoclimatology. Isotopic systems discussed include the classic long-lived radiogenic systems (Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, Lu-Hf and U-Th-Pb) as well as extinct radioactivities. Applications as chronometers or tracers are focused on a wide range of topics ranging from processes and timescales relevant to the formation of the planet and solar system, the evolution of the Earth system to environmental issues.
Course consists of lectures, and practical sections to work through solving problems.

1. Introduction
2. Atoms and nuclei: their physics and stability
3. Radioactivity
4. Nucleosynthesis: when, where and how chemical elements are formed?
5. Principles of stable isotope geochemistry
6. Tracing the hydrologic cycle with O and H isotopes
7. Law of radioactive decay and geochronometry
8. The Rb-Sr isotope method and its applications
9. The Sm-Nd isotope method and its applications
10. The Lu-Hf isotope method and its applications
11. The U-Pb, Th-Pb and Pb-Pb isotope methods and its applications

Planned learning activities and teaching methods:

The course is based upon lectures, with some supervised and self-paced practical work.