Course Description
Nature and properties of marine sediment pore waters and surface sediments. Chemical, physical, and biological processes controlling sediment pore water chemistry and the alteration and recycling of recently deposited sedimentary materials.
Athena Title
MAR SED DIAGENESIS
Prerequisite
(MARS 8020-8020L and MATH 2500) or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will learn nature and properties of marine sediments, including dissolved porewater and solid particle. Students will understand basic diagenetic processes, degradation of organic matter, nutrient cycling, and metal redox chemistry. Theoretical modeling and experimental techniques will be acquired through lectures, paper discussion, and homework. Students will be evaluated on their knowledge on solving specific problems of sedimentary diagenetic processes.
Topical Outline
Lectures will cover the following topics: General diagenesis equations Advection Molecular diffusion Bioturbation Flux Classes/kinetics of reactions Microbial degradation Oxidation sequence Porewater geochemistry Reaction-transport model Case study in deep ocean Case study in continental margin Cast study in coastal sediments Emphasis will be given to describe vertical distributions (profiles) of various chemical concentration and physical properties. Factors controlling diagenetic processes will be intensively discussed.