Aqueous Geochemistry
Students
considering problems in aqueous geochemistry typically combine laboratory
and field work with a theoretical analysis. The time scales studied can be
from fractions of a minute to millions of years. The temperatures considered
are anywhere from below a solution's freezing point to temperatures of aqueous
solutions in equilibrium with molten rocks. The program at SMU is firmly
based in concepts of reaction kinetics and equilibrium thermodynamics. A
convenient split is between low temperature and high temperature aqueous
environments. Problems in low temperature surface and near-surface environments
typically stress the kinetic nature of the process. Some of the topics considered
in the department include the nature of fluids during paleoclimate reconstructions,
the water cycle, urban surface water compositions and characterization of
reactions at the mineral/solution interface. At elevated temperatures, time
frames of concern are longer and equilibrium concepts take center stage.
Research investigations include fluid cycling through midocean ridges and
fluid evolution and composition during metamorphism are investigated.
Students can make use of equipment in the wet geochemical lab to measure the concentration of elements in solution and the electron microprobe lab to look at elemental concentrations and zoning patterns in minerals. Work in the stable isotope lab produces measurements of the light stable isotopes of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in samples. These are often helpful in considering reactions involving aqueous geochemistry.
Geochemistry Faculty/Staff
Robert Gregory
Crayton Yapp
John Walther