Geology 319 - Environmental Geochemistry

This course deals with the natural and human influences on water composition in the Earth's near-surface environments. Our concern will be primarily with fresh water, i.e. streams, lakes, and groundwater, although we will explore some continental saline environments. In all cases, we will examine the chemical and geological processes that govern the concentration levels of dissolved substances in aqueous systems. This course will focus primarily on addressing the following questions: -What can the chemical composition of aqueous fluids at Earth?s surface tell us about natural processes and human interactions with the environment? -What geochemical tools can we use to trace the cycling of water and key nutrients on Earth? -How do interactions between rocks, soil, water, and air regulate water chemistry in the Earth?s Critical Zone? -How do natural processes impact water quality and the transport and transformation of environmental contaminants? -Which analytical practices are best for investigating and describing aqueous environmental systems?

This is a lecture-only section of Environmental Geochemistry. Students wishing to have a laboratory experience should enroll in GEO-SCI 519. GEOL 319 and GEO-SCI 519 lecture are taught together, and GEO-SCI 519 also includes a weekly lab section.