Batch and Rayleigh Decarbonation Modeling of d13C
Jade Star Lackey
, University of Wisconsin
Author Profile
This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Peer Reviewed Teaching Activities collection.
HideSummary
This is an Excel spreadsheet and graph that illustrates standard "batch" and Rayleigh decarbonation models and how they can be used to detect fluid infiltration during metamorphism of carbonates. It makes a good lecture demonstration, but with a few modifications can be turned into a laboratory exercise. Key variables are "hotlinked" directly into the batch and Rayleigh models so students can adjust them to get a feel for the influence of different model parameters. The included carbon isotope data are from marbles in the Jervois region, central Australia (Cartwright et al., 1997). Oxygen isotope data are also included in the spreadsheet.
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Context
Audience
This activity would be used in an undergraduate (sophomore or junior level) required course in petrology.
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered
Some familiarity with Excel is assumed.
How the activity is situated in the course
This is a stand-alone exercise.
Goals
Content/concepts goals for this activity
This Excel spreadsheet and graph illustrates standard "batch" and Rayleigh decarbonation models and how they can be used to detect fluid infiltration during metamorphism of carbonates.
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
This activity involves data analysis.
Other skills goals for this activity
Description of the activity/assignment
This is an Excel spreadsheet and graph that illustrates standard "batch" and Rayleigh decarbonation models and how they can be used to detect fluid infiltration during metamorphism of carbonates. It makes a good lecture demonstration, but with a few modifications can be turned into a laboratory exercise. Key variables are "hotlinked" directly into the batch and Rayleigh models so students can adjust them to get a feel for the influence of different model parameters. The included carbon isotope data are from marbles in the Jervois region, central Australia (Cartwright et al., 1997). Oxygen isotope data are also included in the spreadsheet.
Determining whether students have met the goals
Students have met the goals of this activity if they successfully complete an assignment created from the data.
More information about assessment tools and techniques.Teaching materials and tips
- Instructors Notes (Acrobat (PDF) 103kB Jul8 03)
Other Materials
- Excel Spreadsheet with Graphed Data and Models (Excel 24kB Jul8 03)