Geochemistry 2
Course Level:
2
Course Credit:
2 CU
(2-0) (GLO 2205)
Description
This course covers the chemistry of the earth in relation to the universe, structure and chemical
composition of the earth’s layers, element distribution in relation to rock forming processes,
water chemistry in relation to sedimentary processes, cosmic abundances and applied aspects of
geochemistry.
Course Objectives
The objectives of the course are to enable the students:
1. Describe the chemical composition of the earth and its various parts.
2. Explain the laws governing the distribution of the individual elements.
3. Analyse rock samples geochemically.
Course Outline
Content
The earth in relation to the universe: nature and age of the universe, nature
and age of the solar system, composition of the planets, meteorites, cosmic
abundances.
Hours
6
Structure and chemical composition of the earth’s layers: The structure and
composition of the crust, mantle and core; primary differentiation of
elements within the earth and geochemical classification of the elements.
6
Geochemistry of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks: chemical
and mineralogical composition of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary
rocks. Behaviour of elements during crystallization of magma. Physical and
chemical factors in sedimentation.
6
Atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere: Composition and structure of the
atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, formation of coal and petroleum.
6
Applied geochemistry: In mineral and petroleum exploration, public health,
agriculture, hydrogeology, geochronology, archaeology, paleoclimatology,
medicine etc.
6
Mode of delivery
The course will be lecture-oriented with tests and assignments.
Assessment
Assignments and tests
Final examination
30%
70%
Reading List:
 BROWNIE, S. H. V., & THORTON, I., (1979). Environmental Geochemistry and
Health.
 BROWN L. A. H., (1979). Geochemistry. Prentice Hall Inc. 498p.
 CONDIE, K. C., (1994). Plate tectonics and crystal evolution clip 2, 3, and 4.
 HENDERSON, P., (1982). Inorganic geochemistry. Perganon Press.
 KILLOPS, V. J. & KILLOPS, S. D., (1995). An introduction to organic geochemistry.
Longman Scientific and Technical.
 MASON, B., & MOORE, C. B., (1982). Principles of geochemistry, (4th edition) John
Wiley and sons 344p.
 ROSE, A. W., HAWKES, H. E., & WEBB, J. S., (1979). Geochemistry in mineral
exploration (2nd edition) Academic Press London.
 SIEGEL, F. R., (1974). Applied geochemistry. John Wiley and Sons.
 SIEGEL, F. R., (1979). Review of research on modern problems in geochemistry,
UNESCO, 290p.
 KILLOPS D. STEPHEN AND J. KILLOPS J. VANESSA (1993): An Introduction to
Organic Geochemistry (Longman Geochemistry), Addison-Wesley.

NALDRETT, A. J. (2004): Geology, Geochemistry and Exploration. Springer. 728p.

ELDERFIELD (2006): The Oceans and Marine Geochemistry, Treatise on
Geochemistry, Elsevier