COURSE SYLLABUS
GEOL 719 Geochemical Modeling Methods
3 credit hours
Spring 2000
M 10-10:50am LMR269
WF 10:00am – 1:00pm LMR351
Instructor: Dr. Gina Tempel (email gina@mines.unr.edu)
Office: LMR268
Hours: most weekdays from 3-5pm or by appointment; phone: 784-4706
Texts:
Geochemical Reaction Modeling, Craig M. Bethke
EQ6, A Computer Program for Reaction Path Modeling of Aqueous Geochemical Systems: Theoretical Manual, User’s Guide, and Related Documentation (Version 7.0) Thomas Wolery and Stephanie Daveler
Grading:
12-15 page term paper 35%
25 minute oral presentation on term paper topic 15%
Lab exercises 35%
Class discussion 15%
Course Grade Policies:
· Turn in lab exercises on time; results should be presented clearly and logically. Use graphical methods whenever needed to explain your results.
· Produce a well-organized paper detailing a geochemical modeling solution of the problem of your choice.
· Present your term paper topic as though you were giving a paper at the annual meeting of any professional society.
Schedule of Topics
The week of:
1. January 17:
Lecture and discussion: Introduction to geochemical modeling, conceptual models, uncertainty (Chap. 2; Bethke).
2. January 24:
Lecture and discussion: Review of geochemical terms, basis species, choosing a basis, chemical potential, activity, and fugacity (Chap. 3 and 7)
Lab #1: Introduction to EQ3NR
3. January 31:
Lecture and discussion: Governing equations, phase rule, equilibrium models of natural waters (Chap. 5 and 6)
Lab #4: Species distribution and saturation indices calculated using EQ3NR
4. February 7:
Lecture and discussion: Mass transfer (Chap. 11)
Lab #3: Introduction to EQ6
5. February 14:
Lecture and discussion: Polythermal, fixed, and sliding paths (Chap. 12)
Lab #4: Reaction paths involving pressure and temperature changes
6. February 21:
Lecture and discussion: Geochemical buffers (Chap. 13)
Lab #5: Reaction paths involving mineral reactions
7. February 28:
Lecture and discussion: Geochemical kinetics (Chap. 14)
Lab #6: Precipitation and dissolution rate laws
8. March 6:
Lecture and discussion: Hydrothermal and geothermal fluids (Chaps. 16 and 17)
Lab #7: Water mixing problem
9. March 13:
Lecture and discussion: Evaporation
Lab #8: Reaction paths involving evaporation
10. March 20:
Spring break!
11. March 27:
Lecture and discussion: Sediment diagenesis (Chap. 19)
Lab #9: Introduction to SUPCRT and modification of databases
12. April 3:
Lecture and discussion: Mine pit lake modeling
Lab: "Workshop on the Characterization, Modeling, Monitoring, and Remediation of Pit Lakes", Sands Regency Casino Hotel, Reno, Nevada, April 4-6.
13. April 10:
Lecture and discussion: Acid drainage (Chap. 23)
Lab #10: Modeling sorption
14. April 17: Independent study
15. April 24: Independent study
16. May 1: Presentations
17. May 5: Presentations from 9:45 to 11:45 am