Teaching Stable Isotope Geochemistry in the Earth Sciences
Stable isotope geochemistry is one of the most powerful tools available to geoscientists, used to interrogate the Earth's composition, history, and processes. There are applications to virtually all parts of the Earth system and beyond: igneous and metamorphic petrology, ore bodies, sedimentology, paleoclimate, paleontology, hydrology, tectonics, atmospheric science, oceanography, meteoretics, biology/ecology, human health. Consequently, the principles and applications of stable isotope geochemistry should be taught and demonstrated throughout the Earth science curriculum. This website is designed to a) introduce the principles of stable isotope geochemistry, b) keep faculty current in their science by showcasing modern applications to research across the Earth system, c) explore ways to teach about stable isotopes in Earth science classes, and d) provide an activity and resource base to support instruction.
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HideRatios of stable isotopes in the shells of forams, such as those found in this nummulitic limestone, can be used to infer past climate conditions. Photo credit: Ian Geoffrey Stimpson.
Teaching Stable Isotope Geochemistry Webinar Series
This virtual series was originally scheduled from January-February, 2013, but has been postponed until Fall, 2013.
Join us for this exciting 2013 webinar series that focuses on teaching stable isotopes in the Earth Sciences. Virtual presentations will be held in Fall, 2013.
Resources
- Stable Isotope Primer - learn the basics of what stable isotopes are and how they can be used in the geosciences; from Environmental Sampling in Microbial Life Educational Resources by Monica Z. Bruckner.
- Gas Source Mass Spectrometry: Stable Isotope Geochemistry--from Geochemical Instrumentation and Analysis by Steve Dunn
- Teaching Activities, including reading and writing assignments and problem sets that use stable isotope data.
- Datasets and Tools that utilize stable isotope data.
Join the Discussion
- Join our email list. Share insights, ask questions, or network with other faculty. The link above will also provide access for list members to the email list archives and allow you to unsubscribe.
