Learning objectives
To give information on the recent developments of the Geochemistry intended as a cognitive interdisciplinary tool indispensable to realize and manage the problems relative to earth sciences. The aim is to bring out the natural resources that are water and air, to manage them correctly and to safeguard the public health.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
ATMOSPHERE
Atmosphere subdivision
Chemical composition
Main pollutants
The ozone hole
The greenhouse effect
The photochemical smog
HYDROSPHERE
The water hydrological cycle
Physical and chemical properties of water
The natural distribution of water
Chemical composition of water
Surface and ground waters
Elements acquisition during water-rock interaction
Water chemical classification
EARTH SOLID SURFACE
Natural element abundance
Earth element distribution
The Earth surface
ENVINRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY
Decay Mechanisms
The decay law
Measurement unit
The natural radioactivity
Nuclear fission
The radiocarbon method
Stable Isotope geochemistry
Generalities
Measurement units
Water isotope cycle
Natural processes of isotope fractionation
Factors affecting the isotope composition of water
Carbon isotopes
Sulphur isotopes
Stable isotope applications in palaeo-climatology
Laboratory facilities
Full programme
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Bibliography
Geochimica e Ambiente G. Dongarrà, D. Varrica EdiSES
Teaching methods
powerpoint slides
laboratory facilities
Assessment methods and criteria
oral examination
Other information
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