GEOL 321 Geochemistry

Earth is shaped by geochemical interactions between the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. We will explore these interactions using a “source to sink” perspective, starting with magma formation (generation, evolution, and destabilization); transitioning to environmental impacts of eruptions (climate, water, soil); and finishing with the formation and use of related earth materials (clays, pigments, ores). Major themes include: solid-earth equilibria (igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary, and weathering reactions), isotopes, oxidation-reduction reactions, natural aqueous solutions, and solid-aqueous equilibria.