Geochemistry embraces all aspects of the study of the Earth.
In this course, we will look at the formation of our home planet, in the age before geologic time began. We will investigate the reasons why it is chemically zoned, with a molten core, hot rocky mantle, chilled outer crust, watery ocean, and turbulent gaseous atmosphere. We will also examine processes operating in the earth system at the present time, including the formation and destruction of stratospheric ozone, the origin and remediation of acid mine drainage, and other environmental issues. Lectures, three hours per week. One all-day field trip.