Drombovski: Geochemistry

Rb/Sr, U- Th –Pb methods of dating the rocks.

1 An introduction to atomic theory (includes atomic structure, molar calculations and problems for classical mechanics when applied to the atomic scale)

2. The behaviour of electrons (includes the quantisation of energy (Link1) , the wave character of electrons, an introduction to wavefunctions and atomic orbitals)

3. Relating electron configurations to atomic properties and bonding (includes the Aufbau principle, electron configurations of the elements, effective nuclear charge, periodicity and the periodic table, ionic bonding, covalent bonding and the valence shell electron pair repulsion – VSEPR – model for predicting molecular shape)

4. Further consideration of molecular bonding and structure (includes valence bond theory, molecular orbital theory and crystal field theory)

5. Examples of application atomic properties to geosciences problems (includes Goldschmidt’s classifications and ionic properties and melt-mineral partitioning behaviour)

Practicals and techniques learned/used

Specific skills acquired/revised will include:

Interpreting atomic and mass numbers

Molar calculations

Wavelength, energy, frequency calculations

Predict the shape of simple molecules using VSEPR

Explain the bonding in simple molecules using valence bond and molecular orbital theories

Make predictions about trace element melt-mineral partitioning behaviour from ionic properties

Age of the Earth.

Aqueous Chemistry (Basic principles , Equilibrium thermodynamics , Acids and bases, alkalinity , The carbonate system , Dissolution-Precipitation , Complexation , (Stability diagrams) , Redox reactions , (Eh-pH diagrams) .

Aragonite carbonate speciation in subduction zone conditions vibrational spectroscopy (1) (2)

Mechanical Test: Natural Moisture Content , Natural Density , Specific Gravity , Grain size analysis , Size analysis ( Hydrometer ) , Liquid and plastic limit , Shrinkage factors , Dry density relation , Unconfined compressive strength(Rock and Soil ) , Point load strength index( Rock and Soil ) , Brazilian test , Modulus of elasticity , Poissons ratio , Direct shear test , Free swell index , Colifornia bearing ratio . Chemical analysis: Soil and Rock , Ph value , sulphide and chlorite .