Systematics of the main radiogenic isotopic systems. Analytical methods. Radiogenic isotopes as tracers of geological processes and their application in anthropological, archaeological and environmental sciences.
Radiogenic Isotope Geology, 2018, A.P. Dickin
Isotope Geochemistry, 2014, W.M. White
Stable Isotope Geochemistry, 2009, J. Hoefs
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Learning Objectives
The training targer of the course is to make the student aware in the field of absolute dating systems applicable to anthropological, zoological and archaeological sciences, as well as the use of radiogenic and stable isotopes as tracers of metabolism, diet and mobility of populations animals and humans of the past.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of geology, mineralogy and petrography
Teaching Methods
The course consists of lectures and laboratory activities.
Further information
It is highly recommended the attendance to the lectures
Type of Assessment
The knowledge and skills acquired by the student will be verified through a final oral exam.
Course program
Nuclear physics: radioactive decay law. Description of the main radiogenic isotopic systems used in geology (K-Ar, Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Th-Pb). Introduction to the theory of errors. Thermal ionization mass spectrometer and isotopic ratio mass spectrometer. Radiogenic isotopes and stable isotopes applied to anthropology and bioarchaeology as tracers of metabolism, diet, origin and mobility of human and animal beings as well as artifacts. Radiogenic and stable isotopes applied to forensic anthropology through the integrated study of multiple isotopic profiles (C, N, O, H, S, Sr, and Pb) on human tissues (teeth, bones, hair, nails) together with isotopic maps of the territory (isoscapes) to identify the areas of origin of unidentified human findings.