GEOL445 Aqueous Geochemistry
CONTENT: This course is an introduction to the geochemical processes of
surface and ground water, including concentrations of ions and organic
compounds, chemical equilibria, and analytical techniques. Carbonate and
clay minerals will be studied in detail. Prerequisite: CHEM120 and
CHEM121. 3 hours.
OFFERED: Spring semester, even numbered years.
Current Syllabus: SPRING 1998
Instructor: Dr. Michael May Office: 309 EST Phone: 745-6891
E-mail: michael.may@wku.edu
Office Hours: M, T, W, R, F 8:00-9:00; M, T, W 10:30-11:30
Course Time and Place: EST Room 355, TR and alternating Fridays, 11:45-12:45
Purpose and Design of the Course and Prerequisites: Geology 445 is a required
course for geology majors in the Hydrology option. Chemistry 120 and 121 are
prerequisites. The student should also have a working knowledge of
mineralogy or crystal chemistry. The course is designed to provide an
introduction to the geochemical processes of surface water and groundwater,
including concentrations of ions and organic compounds, chemical equilibria,
and analytical techniques. Sediment/rock/water interaction including
diagenesis and weathering will be discussed. The stability of silicates,
carbonates and clay minerals will be studied in detail.
Text (required): The Geochemistry of Natural Waters, Surface and
Groundwater Environments, 3rd ed., James I. Drever, Prentice Hall, 1997.
** Always bring your text to class **
Course Outline
Date Day Topic Reading
Jan. 20 T The Hydrologic Cycle Chapter 1
22 W Chemical Terminology Chapter 2
27 T
29 R Guest Lecture - Common Analytical Methods
30 F Common Organic Compounds Chapter 6
Feb. 3 T
5 R The Carbonate System Chapter 3
10 T
12 R Clay Minerals and Ion Exchange Chapter 4
13 F
17 T Adsorption Chapter 5
19 R EXAM I
24 T Silicate Equilibria & Stability Diagrams Chapter 10
26 R
27 F
Mar. 3 T Kinetics of Geochemical Processes Chapter 11
5 R Weathering and Water Chemistry Chapter 12
10 T
12 R
13 F EXAM II
16-20 SPRING BREAK
24 T Weathering and Water Chemistry cont. Chapter 12
26 R Acid Deposition and the Environment Chapter 13
31 T
Apr. 2 R Isotopes Chapter 14
3 F (Literature review paper due)
7 T Evaporites and Saline Waters Chapter 15
9 R
14 T Oxidation - Reduction Equilibrium Reactions Chapter 7
16 R
17 F
21 T EXAM III
23 R Redox Conditions in Natural Waters Chapter 8
28 T
30 R Heavy Metals and Metalloids Chapter 9
May 1 F (Analytical Procedures paper due)
5 T Transport & Reaction Modeling Chapter 16
7 R
11 M FINAL EXAM - 10:30am - 12:30pm
Grading: 3 hour exams - 60%
Final exam - 15%
Literature paper - 10%
Analytical paper - 10%
Problem Solving - 5%
Exams will consist of short-answer and essay questions and some problem
solving.
The literature paper will be a 5-page minimum evaluation/critique of two
scientific articles, either listed as suggested readings at the end of any of the
chapters of your textbook or articles of your choosing. Note that the library
has GEOREF, which is similar to TOPCAT except that the specific area is
geology and our library will have very few of the references given. So give
yourself time to use inter-library loan if necessary. Use the same format as
your textbook uses for citing references in your paper and the citation of the
references at the end. This paper will be due on April 3.
The analytical paper is to cover an analytical technique of your choosing. You
will choose from the various analyses that are routinely performed in the water
lab on the fourth floor of this building (Ogden Environmental Lab). Any time
after spring break, schedule a time with Rose Hullett (water lab manager) to
be in the lab when the analysis is being performed so that you can walk
through the technique. You will discuss the procedure in your paper, including
a detail of the step-by-step process, repeatability/reproducibility of the test,
EPA acceptable limits, the general historical development of the test with
regard to how it may have changed with time as EPA limits have become
stricter, and possible EPA trends for the future. One or more of you may visit
the lab at one time if you have chosen the same analysis, although Rose may
restrict the number. The length of this paper should be under 5 pages. It will
be due on May 1.
Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. Although no points will be deducted
for missing class, supplemental material not covered in the text will often be
included in lectures.
Due Dates for Assignments and Exams: If you know that you will miss an
exam or paper deadline, it is your responsibility to inform me before hand to
explain your situation. If you miss any deadline without contacting me before
the due date or scheduled exam time you will automatically waive your right to
take a make-up exam or hand in a paper (i.e. no credit given for unexcused late
work).
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