GEOL 403 - Geochemistry

The major geochemical processes and events that produced transformative change to the Earth’s surface environment, from the origin of the planet 4.5 billion years ago to the present-day, are the focus of this course. Topics of study include the origin and evolution of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans; geo-chemical evidence and conditions for the emergence of life; the chemical behavior of ocean water, rivers, and lakes; the global distribution and cycles of the major elements; weathering and erosion of the continents; and the nature of the Critical Zone - the fragile skin of the planet in which complex and interactive biogeochemical and physical processes operate together to sustain life. Lectures and weekly readings in the scientific literature guide class discussions.

Credits: 1.00
Corequisite: None
Prerequisites: GEOL 201 and CHEM 101
Major/Minor Restrictions: None
Class Restriction: None
Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Liberal Arts CORE: None

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