Geochemistry explores the chemical interactions between and among Earth’s spheres, including the chemistry of the physical environment and anthropogenic impacts. Geochemists essentially use chemical tools to understand the Earth and solve geological problems. We will explore geological problems that you will also encounter in other many ESCI courses, like Earth Materials, Earth Systems, Sedimentology & Stratigraphy, Paleoecology, Geomorphology, Hydrology, Structure, Petrology, Paleoclimate, Modern Climate Change, etc. Topics include crystal chemistry, magmatic evolution, isotope systems and their applications, and chemistry of the hydrosphere. Geochemical methods include x-rays, electron beam, and mass spectroscopy. Global geochemical data management is also considered. You will see that geochemistry combines fundamental concepts of math, chemistry, biology and physics, so you will notice that we will be applying the ideas and skills that you may have learned in your introductory MATH, CHEM, BIOL, and PHYS courses. The materials that we will study are valued for aesthetic reasons, used in creative works of art, and have value in the global economy, so you may see connections between Geochemistry and courses in ARTH, ARTS, and ECON. You also know that the methods by which we study the chemistry of the Earth are applicable across disciplines, especially in ARCH. You will undoubtedly find more connections between Geochemistry and your experiences here at Wooster. The prerequisite is ESCI 20500 Earth Materials, but if you have a solid chemistry foundation and are interested in taking this course, contact Dr. Pollock.
