NIGK14019U Core to Crust: Earth´s Evolution and Processes (part 1)

Volume 2016/2017
Education

MSc Programme in Geology-Geoscience

Content

Geochemical evolution of Earth from 4.6 Ga to today; geochemistry and mineralogy of Earth components (core, mantle, crust), high temperature geochemical processes; isotopic tracers; high pressure and temperature mineralogy; planetary sciences and cosmochemistry; geochemistry of meteorites and their relationship to the origin and evolution of the Earth, solar system, and universe; origin and distribution of the elements, minerals and rocks; geochemical cycles in the crust and mantle; application of thermodynamic and kinetic principles to geochemical processes.

Special focus will be on the origin and distribution of the elements, minerals and rocks,  the geochemical evolution of Earth from 4.6 Ga to today, geochemistry and mineralogy of Earth components (core, mantle, crust), isotopic tracers, high pressure and temperature mineralogy, planetary sciences and cosmochemistry, geochemistry of meteorites and their relationship to the origin and evolution of the Earth, solar system, and universe, and the mineralogy of the deep mantle.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

  • Geochemical evolution of Earth from 4.6 Ga to today
  • Geochemistry and mineralogy of Earth components (core, mantle, crust)
  • Isotopic tracers
  • High pressure and temperature mineralogy
  • Planetary sciences and cosmochemistry
  • Geochemistry of meteorites and their relationship to the origin and evolution of the Earth, solar system, and universe
  • Mineralogy of the deep mantle


Skills:

  • Demonstration of an understanding of the processes that led to the Earth’s formation and its prime differentiation
  • Description of the general characteristics of the different geochemical reservoirs within the Earth, the interplays between them
  • Knowledge of the chemical and mineralogical variations within the different Earth’s geochemical reservoirs in terms of geochemical processes linked to modern plate tectonic theory, lithospheric recycling and geodynamics, and to thermodynamic and crystallographic principles


Competences:

  • Ability to recite the milestones in Earth’s early evolution and to understand the processes that led to the Earth’s formation and its prime differentiation and the chronology of these events
  • be familiar with the on-going and past processes that have led to the structure of the Earth’s crust-mantle-core system
  • describe the general characteristics of the different geochemical reservoirs within the Earth, the interplays between them, and explain these within the framework of the evolution of the planet
  • explain chemical and mineralogical variations within the different Earth’s geochemical reservoirs in terms of geochemical processes linked to modern plate tectonic theory, lithospheric recycling and geodynamics, and to thermodynamic and crystallographic principles.

Please see Absalon course page.

BSc in Geology and Geoscience or equivalent.
The form of teaching is theory exercises combined with ad hoc lectures. For the teaching plan, please see Absalon.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Preparation
  • 136
  • Project work
  • 35
  • Theory exercises
  • 35
  • Total
  • 206
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Oral examination, 20 minutes
The written assignment is prepared during the course and must be handed in prior to the exam week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure. It includes the titles listed in the officially approved reading list. A combined grade is given after the oral exam.
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Re-exam

Re-submission of written assignment, 20 minutes oral examination. The written assignment must be handed in prior to the re-examination week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure. It includes the titles listed in the officially approved reading list.

Criteria for exam assesment

Please see learning outcome