EARTH 478: Introduction to Aquatic Geochemistry

Fall Semester, 4.0 Credit Hours

Course description: The objective of this course is to develop an understanding of the chemical compositions of natural waters, emphasizing both chemical and biogeochemical processes operating near Earth’s surface; equilibrium vs. kinetic controls on chemical weathering; solute sources and mass balances in watersheds, groundwater, and river/ocean mixing zones. Hands-on field and lab experience provides training in methods of applied geochemistry.

Undergraduate Sydney analyzes trace metals (iron) in river and groundwater in EARTH 478, Introduction to Aquatic Geochemistry
Undergraduate students study water quality in the Huron River, in EARTH 478, Introduction to Aquatic Geochemistry.

This work is/was supported by the University of Michigan Water Center, a center of the Graham Sustainability Institute. The Water Center is supported by funds from the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation and the University of Michigan. The Water Center is part of the University of Michigan’s Graham Sustainability Institute and is supported by funds from the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation and the University of Michigan.

Undergraduates use their smart phones to detect concentrations of trace metals (iron) in river and groundwater in EARTH 478, Introduction to Aquatic Geochemistry, and compare smart phone results to those obtained on a spectrophotometer (Aqualog). Results from these kinds of comparisons will help develop “citizen science” data collection of water quality.
Undergraduate students analyze water quality in EARTH 478, Introduction to Aquatic Geochemistry.