Carbonate geochemistry

Number：224 U1900

Course Description:  This course is intended for undergraduate and postgraduate students, whose research issues on global change by means of organic and/or inorganic carbonates.  General undergraduate students will not be recommended to attend this class.  This course will allow students absorbing enough background for their own studies.  It covers topics from crystal chemistry to up-to-date micro-geochemistry.  Weekly paper reading, discussion and presentation will play essential roles in class.

Prerequisites:    Students of Dept Geosciences or instructor’s permission.

Literature:    Research articles

                        An Introduction to Carbonate Sediments and Rocks

                        Carbonate Sedimentology

Text materials: Selected chapters, class handouts, papers.

Grading:       Presentation, 40%; Discussion , 30%; Final oral exam, 30%.

Syllabus:

1.          Introduction

2.          Carbonate minerals, Crystal chemistry, grains and sediment.

3.          Trace elements.

4.          Stable isotopes, C and O.

5.          Foraminifer.

6.          Coral, coral reef, deep sea coral.

7.          Mollusc, ostracode (bivalve).

8.          Fish otolith.

9.          Speleothem.

10.     Dolomite.

11.     Report and oral exam.