Elemental turnover processes are important in modifying the
earth's lithosphere, hydroshpere and atmosphere.  The objective
of this course is to gain working knowledge of global
biogeochemical cycles, focusing on the role of the ocean. 
Contemporary cycling of C,N,P,Si as well as other nutrients will
be discussed in both a qualitative and quantitative context, and
the interactions between these cycles will be highlighted. 
Graduate students will be required to write a research paper.

Introduction & Overview:  Biogeochemistry, timescales and
concepts of cycles
Fundamentals:  The origin of elements, transport processes,
chemical aspects (Phase change, speciation, redox, isotopes)
Budgets:  Ocean composition, salt content
Box Models
Earth system compartments:  atmosphere, lithosphere,
hydrosphere/global water cycle, biosphere
Ocean transport:  Circulation patterns, tracers of mixing, ocean
provinces
The pumps:  Air-Sea exchange, particle transport, biological
pump, solubility pump
Inputs:  Rivers, weathering, vents
Marine organic matter cycling:  Production, export and
remineralization, sediments
Global cycles:  Si, carbon, P,N,S,Fe,O2, trace metals
Coupling of biogeochemical cycles
Glacial-interglacial patterns: P, pCO2, biota
Global change:  Climate and the carbon cycle, impact of land use
changes, ocean acidification, alterations of biological and
solubility pumps
Role of gatekeepers/Interfaces:  Coastal ocean, marshes

It is the student's responsibility to be familiar with the Univeristy of Georgia's
policy on academic honesty as published in the booklet
"A Culture of Honesty:  Policies and Procedures on Academic Honesty".  Evidence of
academic dishonesty will be turned over to the Office
of the Vice President for Academic Affairs for consideration and possible action. 
The minimum penalty for a student found guilty of 
academic dishonesty is a grade of "F" in the course and a note on the student's
transcript.  There have been several recent changes in the
academic honesty policy at UGA.  This information is available on-line at
[http://www.uga.edu/~vpaa].  Click on the UGA Academic
Honesty Policy statement.