Crustal Fluids

Catalog description

This course is an advanced geochemistry class covering physicochemical properties of hydrothermal fluids, phase diagrams, melts, fluid-melt immiscibility, stable and radiogenic isotopes applied to crustal fluids. This course integrates lectures on the basic principles in geochemistry and thermodynamics with applied examples of published research articles presented by students relevant to a broad range of crustal fluids (i.e, hydrothermal ore-forming fluids, geothermal fluids, metamorphic fluids, basinal brines and sedimentary formation waters and melts). Workshops focus on practical skills such as using the GEM-Selektor geochemical modeling software for simulating fluid chemistry and fluid-rock reaction and learning about fluid inclusion microthermometry and Raman spectroscopy, which provide measurements of physical and chemical properties of crustal fluids. The featured debate focuses on a relevant topic in geochemistry fostering debate and presentation skills.