The purpose of this page is to draw attention to those aspects of chemistry & geochemistry that are covered in the UKESCC courseware and to pin-point specific modules where such material occurs. Links to descriptions of individual module are given at the bottom of the page.
Basic Skills in Earth Sciences
This module covers the fundamental elements of mathematics, physics and chemistry that are required when studying Earth Science. The chemistry section covers basic concepts like chemical formula, atomic structure and bonding, isotopes and chemical cycles
There is treatment of how and why compounds form, silicates, and non-silicates and how they link with the main mineral groups. Radiogenic and stable isotopes feature and how isotopes are used for dating rocks and in petrogenetic problems. Chemistry and the natural environment are linked using the hydrological, carbon, nitrogen and rock cycles as examples.
Figure 1. Practice at balancing equations is provided in this part of the 'Basic Skills in Earth Sciences' module.
Basic Geochemistry: Origin and Distribution of the Elements
The overall aim of this courseware module is to explain the geochemical processes required to form the elements, incorporate them into and distribute them within the Earth, and to outline the consequences for the composition of Earth materials.
The module consists of four main sections, preceded and followed by self-assessment quizzes.
In section 1, 'Origin of the elements', there are definitions of nuclear fusion and nuclear fission and an explanation of the Big Bang and synthesis of hydrogen and helium in the protouniverse. Stellar evolution is considered briefly and an explanation of supernovae and synthesis of the heavy elements. Finally, a discussion of fission reactions, fission products and actinides leads to a description of the mechanism of nuclear power generation and its similarity to natural processes.
In section 2, 'Composition of the Solar System', an outline is given of methods for determining the pattern of element abundances within the Solar System, the process of condensation from a nebula and the concept and classification of refractory and volatile elements. Meteorite types are described briefly andt the Chondritic Earth Model is considered together with its implications for accretion of the Earth. An interactive Solar System fact sheet highlights differences between the planets.
Figure 2. A page from the interactive Solar System fact sheet in the 'Basic Geochemistry' module.
In section 3, 'Distribution of Elements in the Earth', a description is given of how the Earth came to be differentiated into core, mantle and crust. The Goldschmidt classification into siderophile, chalcophile, lithophile and atmophile elements is considered in relation to the early partitioning of elements within the Earth. Partition coefficients are identified as the key to understanding element distribution. Electronegativity and its relation to different types of bonding is defined and explained.
The final section 'Composition of Rocks', explains how chemistry dictates why different elements tend to become incorporated into one or more of the main rock groups. The use of rare earth elements in the interpretation of igneous and sedimentary rocks is also explained.
Other Modules
Chemical principles are used repeatedly in several courseware modules, for example, 'Crystallography', Petrogenesis of Granitic Rocks', 'Phase Diagrams in Igneous Systems', 'Radiogenic Isotopes in Geological Sciences', and 'Arc Magmatism'.
Figure 3. Chemistry figures throughout the 'Crystallography' module.
Figure 4. This page from the 'Granite Petrogenesis' module shows the importance of chemistry in classifying granites.
Figure 5. The 'Chart of Nuclides' is detailed in the 'Radiogenic Isotopes in Geological Sciences' module'.
UKESCC Courseware modules
featured
Basic Skills for Earth Sciences
Petrogenesis of Granitic Rocks
Phase Diagrams in Igneous Systems
Radiogenic Isotopes in Geological Sciences
