Principles and Applications of Organic Geochemistry

This is an introductory course to the theoretical and practical aspects of organic geochemistry presented as a combination of lectures and applied practicals. Topics will include the production and preservation of organic matter, the use and study of molecular biomarkers and stable isotopes, and source rock evaluation. The module will include a variety of applications including the use of organic geochemistry in the study of Earth history, in paleoclimate, in the study of modern ecosystems, and in petroleum exploration.

A chemistry background is not required

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Sea Surface Temp (°C)

Tex 86

Can we use organic biomarkers to understand paleoenvironments

& climate change?

How has geological organic matter

changed over Earth history?

What is the nature of organic matter in the geological record?

Dr. Alex Bradley Washington University in St. Louis, U.S.A.TCD 001: 11-14 May 2015Technology & Enterprise Centre, Trinity College Dublin

How

do

biomarkers enhance our

unde

rsta

nding of petroleum?

What are the controls on the structural and isotopic composi-

tion of organic matter?

δ34S δ13C

What analytical tools do we use to decipher the organic geochemical record?

time

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