This course examines the chemical processes characteristic of specific geological settings, with an emphasis placed on the processes governing elemental differentiation, migration, and distribution. Discussion topics include high and low temperature fluid-rock interaction, aqueous geochemistry, stable and radiogenic isotopes, thermodynamics and kinetics, biogeochemistry, and solid-Earth geochemistry. Students will be introduced to common analytical techniques for determining rock, mineral, soil, and water compositions.

Laboratory exercises will focus on developing competencies in the collection, presentation and analysis of geochemical data. Investigations will utilize analytical equipment housed at the College including the atomic absorption (AA), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers. Students will gain an ability to independently assess and critique geochemical results.