2024
Geochemical Systems
Name: Geochemical Systems
Code: GEO00761L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Geosciences
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
General understanding of the biogeochemical processes that couple the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere, including chemical aspects of the Earth's formation and development to its present state;
Capability to apply thermodynamics to geological problems involving several types of phase - solids, aqueous solutions, gases and melts
Figure out some of the recent areas of geological research where isotope geochemistry is having a significant impact
Acquisition of practice numerical skills by performing quantitative thermodynamic and isotopic calculations applicable to the earth sciences
Comprehend the Earth from a geochemical perspective by studying topics such as formation of the elements; formation of the Earth and Solar System; evolution of the crust, mantle, and core; weathering, stream chemistry and ocean chemistry.
Understand some of the chemical processes active in the Earth's surface environment as element cycling and anthropogenic influences.
Capability to apply thermodynamics to geological problems involving several types of phase - solids, aqueous solutions, gases and melts
Figure out some of the recent areas of geological research where isotope geochemistry is having a significant impact
Acquisition of practice numerical skills by performing quantitative thermodynamic and isotopic calculations applicable to the earth sciences
Comprehend the Earth from a geochemical perspective by studying topics such as formation of the elements; formation of the Earth and Solar System; evolution of the crust, mantle, and core; weathering, stream chemistry and ocean chemistry.
Understand some of the chemical processes active in the Earth's surface environment as element cycling and anthropogenic influences.
Contents
Introduction
Energy, Entropy, and Fundamental Thermodynamics Concepts
Applications of Thermodynamics to the Earth
Equilibrium Constant, Oxidation and Reduction, Eh-pH diagrams and the stability of the minerals
Phase Diagrams and Geothermometry
Reaction Kinetics
Aquatic Chemistry: Acid-Base Reactions, Complexation, Precipitation and Dissolution, Adsorption
Surface Reactions and Diffusion
Stable and Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry
Introduction to Cosmochemistry: Chemical Clues to the Formation of the Earth
Geochemistry. of the Solid Earth: The Mantle and Core
Geochemistry of the Solid Earth: The Crust
Reactions at the Earth's Surface: Weathering, Soils, and Stream Chemistry
Organic Geochemistry
The Oceans as a Chemical System
The atmosphere as a Chemical System
Bio-geo-chemical cycles: Nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon dioxide and oxygen;
Introduction to environmental geochemistry and anthropogenic pressure.
Energy, Entropy, and Fundamental Thermodynamics Concepts
Applications of Thermodynamics to the Earth
Equilibrium Constant, Oxidation and Reduction, Eh-pH diagrams and the stability of the minerals
Phase Diagrams and Geothermometry
Reaction Kinetics
Aquatic Chemistry: Acid-Base Reactions, Complexation, Precipitation and Dissolution, Adsorption
Surface Reactions and Diffusion
Stable and Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry
Introduction to Cosmochemistry: Chemical Clues to the Formation of the Earth
Geochemistry. of the Solid Earth: The Mantle and Core
Geochemistry of the Solid Earth: The Crust
Reactions at the Earth's Surface: Weathering, Soils, and Stream Chemistry
Organic Geochemistry
The Oceans as a Chemical System
The atmosphere as a Chemical System
Bio-geo-chemical cycles: Nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon dioxide and oxygen;
Introduction to environmental geochemistry and anthropogenic pressure.
Teaching Methods
Teaching involves lectures and practical classes. In the first, the principles for understanding the studied processes will be given: Practical classes will offer the tools to study the same processes and materials involved.
The classes will be presented by members of the University of Évora, occasionally being invited guest speakers to teach specific topics as seminars.
The evaluation will consider an exam (40%), a laboratory component (40%), writing a review paper (15%) and its oral presentation (5%).
The classes will be presented by members of the University of Évora, occasionally being invited guest speakers to teach specific topics as seminars.
The evaluation will consider an exam (40%), a laboratory component (40%), writing a review paper (15%) and its oral presentation (5%).
