Geological Sciences

What is Geochemistry: early history and Modern Geochemistry Nucleosynthesis and stellar evolution. The Periodic Table: basic principles of Atomic Physics. Ionic substitution in crystals. Goldschmidt’s rules of substitution: camouflage, capture, and admission. Chemical classification of elements. Isotopic geochronometers: decay modes, the law of radioactivity, -Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Pb, K-Ar, and 14C systematics. Chemical differentiation of the Earth: internal structure of the Earth. The continental crust: major and trace elements. Differentiation of the hydrosphere. Chemical weathering. Chemical reactions and the stability of minerals: acids and bases and oxidation-reduction reactions. Thermodynamics. Stability limits of waters in terms of Eh-pH, activity diagrams. Principles of isotope fractionation. Isotope fractionation in the hydrosphere. Isotope fractionation of carbon. Isotope fractionation of strontium in carbonate rocks. Chemical composition of surface waters: chemical analysis and water quality. Consequences of chemical weathering: formation of soils. Mineral deposits. Geochemical cycles: the principle of mass balance. The cycle of C-H-O-N. Elaboration of geochemical data.

The student is required to have a basic knowledge in chemistry mineralogy and petrography. The credits in General and Inorganic Chemistry with elements of Oganic Chemistry, Mineralogy and Petrography are suggested.

PowerPoint slideshows of the lectures are available in: https://elearning.uniroma1.it/ Suggested textbooks: BROWNLOW A.H. (1986) - Geochemistry. Ed. Prentice FAURE G. (1986) - Principles of Isotope Geology. Ed. J. Wiley & Sons DEGANELLO S., LONGINELLI A. (1999) - Introduzione alla Geochimica. Ed. UTET DONGARRA’ G., VARRICA D. (2004) – Geochimica e ambiente. Ed. EdiSES FORNASERI M. (1980) - Lezioni di Geochimica. Ed. Veschi.

Students are strongly recommended to actively take part to the lessons.

Learning outcomes are verified via an oral examination consisting of an interview between the candidate and the lecturer. During the oral examination, the candidate could be asked to resolve written exercises in front of the lecturer. The interview is intended to evaluate the candidate's knowledge, understanding, and ability to use appropriate scientific terminology. Learning outcomes are verified with an oral examination consisting of an interview between the candidate and the lecturer. During the oral test, the candidate could be requested to also solve written exercises in front of the lecturer. The interview aims to assess the knowledge and understanding of the candidate and his ability to use the correct scientific terminology.

BROWNLOW A.H. (1986) - Geochemistry. Ed. Prentice FAURE G. (1986) - Principles of Isotope Geology. Ed. J. Wiley & Sons

Lectures and class exercitations. Teaching tools will include a personal computer, overhead projector, and PowerPoint presentation.