Catalog Number: 3955
Number of Credits: 3
This course will provide students with a basic introduction to light stable isotope systems and, more importantly, their application to paleoclimatological, paleoecological, and archaeological problems. Specifically, the course will examine stable isotope variations within the hydrosphere, stable isotope fractionation within carbonates, and oxygen isotope paleothermometry. In addition, the course will explore carbon isotope fractionation during photosynthesis, oxygen and hydrogen isotope fractionation by plants, trophic relationship, diet, and migration studies using stable isotopes, and forensic applications of light stable isotopes. Scheduled course meetings will consist of brief lectures addressing the fundamental concepts of stable isotope geochemistry and discussion of assigned readings on the use of specific analytical techniques. The pace and depth of material covered will be determined by interest level and time needed for comprehensive treatment of techniques.Offered upon student demand. Lecture, 3 hours.
Course prerequisites
GEOL 2525
- Faculty