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Isotopes in the Paleoenvironment
Application of isotope geochemistry to paleoenvironmental studies in hydrology, geology, anthropology, ecology, and paleontology. Emphasis on understanding conceptual basis, limitations and potential of isotopic studies
Instructor: Dr. James D. Wright
Text: Gaure, G., 1986, Principles of Isotope Geology, 2nd Ed.: John Wiley & Sons; plus selected readings from the literature
Syllabus
Week # |
Topics |
| 1 |
Introduction to isotope systematics--radioactive decay and fractionation |
| 2 |
Dating techniques: potassium-argon, argon-argon |
| 3 |
Cosmogenic isotopes--systematics and surface exposure ages |
| 4 |
Cosmogenic isotopes--dating landforms and studying surficial processes |
| 5 |
Cosmogenic isotopes--isotope hydrology and glaciology |
| 6 |
Oxygen and hydrogen isotopes--systematics and the marine record |
| 7 |
Carbon and nitrogen isotopes--systematics and biogeochemical cycles |
| 8 |
Oxygen and carbon isotopes--the terrestrial record |
| 9 |
Oxygen and carbon isotopes--the terrestrial record |
| 10 |
Stable isotopes--climate change and ecology |
| 11 |
Stable isotopes--human evolution and diet |
| 12 |
Strontium isotopes--ecology, biodiversity, and paleosalinity |
| 13 |
Oral presentations of term-paper topics |
| 14 |
Oral presentations of term-paper topics and summary |
Course List
Current Course Offerings
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