Rb-Sr isotope in-class exercise

Allen Glazner

Univ. of North Carolina

This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Peer Reviewed Teaching Activities collection. (view details)

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Scientific Accuracy
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Initial Publication Date: June 5, 2008 | Reviewed: October 21, 2012 (see revision history: 2 events)

Summary

This set of problems involves calculations of changes in radiogenic isotope ratios. It requires students to understand the concept of an isochron and how isotope ratios change (or do not change) during magma mixing and crystal fractionation.

Radioisotopes, Geochemistry, Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria, PTt ...(more) | College Lower (13-14), College Upper (15-16)

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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

This activity requires students to understand the concept of an isochron and isotope ratios.

How the activity is situated in the course

This is a stand-alone exercise.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

This activity helps students to understand the concept of an isochron and how isotope ratios change (or do not change) during magma mixing and crystal fractionation.

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

This activity involves the analysis of data.

Other skills goals for this activity

Description of the activity/assignment

Determining whether students have met the goals

Students have met the goals of this activity if they thoroughly and accurately answer the questions provided in the activity download (see below).

More information about assessment tools and techniques.

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