Teofilo
(Jun) A. Abrajano, Jr.
Professor of Earth and
Environmental Sciences
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,
Phone: (518) 276-6036; Fax: (518) 276-6680; email: abrajt@rpi.edu
ERTH-2140 Introduction to Geochemistry
An introduction to the application of chemistry to problems in the Earth and Environmental Sciences. Topics include thermodynamics and phase equilibria as applied to mineral stability, rock evolution, and water chemistry; stable isotope systematics; radiogenic isotope systematics; trace element geochemistry, organic geochemistry, and geochemical cycles. (Cross listed as CHEM-2540. Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and CHEM-2540.)
ERTH-6730 Groundwater Contaminant Transport
Theoretical and applied study of solute transport phenomena. Analytical and numerical solutions of the advection-dispersion equation and other techniques for solving groundwater contaminant transport problems. Issues of contamination sources, basic chemical concerns during transport, and monitoring and remediation are also covered. Transport modeling is also introduced. Some field trips are possible. Prerequisites: MATH-4600 or equivalent, ERTH-4710 or ERTH-6710 or equivalent, or permission of instructor.
ERTH-4690/6060 Aqueous Geochemistry
Fundamentals of aqueous chemistry as applied to the evolution of natural waters. Principles of chemical equilibrium, activity models for solutes, pH as a master variable, concentration and Eh-pH diagrams, mineral solubility, aqueous complexes, ion exchange, and stable isotopes. The carbonate system, weathering reactions, and acid rain are examined in detail. Emphasis is on the chemical reactions that control surface and groundwater evolution in natural and engineered (treatment process) settings. Students learn theory, computation methods, and the use of computer programs for calculation of speciation and mass balance. (Cross listed as CHEM-4690 and ENVE-4110. Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and either CHEM-4690 or ENVE-4110.)
ERTH - 6963 Isotope
Geochemistry
This course is about the interpretation of Earth's processes through the use of stable isotopes. The first part of the course will cover fundamental concepts ranging from the cosmochemical origin of terrestrial isotopes, the physical basis for distribution/evolution of stable, radiogenic and cosmogenic isotopes, temperature dependence of isotope fractionation, and kinetic isotope effects. Applications to igneous, hydrothermal, archaeological, paleoclimatic, hydrospheric, atmospheric, biospheric and environmental applications will be subsequently explored. The last part of the course will be a guided evaluation of isotope applications of the students' choosing.
ERTH-4500 Global Environmental Change
Environmental issues of global concern will be investigated from a scientific perspective. Analysis of historic and current data bases on population, resources, land use, and climate will provide an introduction to detailed consideration of more specific case studies in areas including global warming, El Nino Southern Oscillation, ozone depletion, regional drought and water management, long-range transport of pollutants, species extinction and biological diversity loss. (Cross listed as IENV-4500. Students cannot obtain credit for both this course and IENV-4500.)
IENV-4700 One Mile of the Hudson
IENV-1910/1912 1st Year Environmental Seminar I/II
A weekly seminar required for students who are beginning their degree program in environmental science and open to other first-year students. Speakers include faculty, graduate students, guest environmental professionals and registered students. Topical environmental issues are considered from numerous perspectives. First-Year Environmental Seminar II is a continuation of IENV-1910 that focuses on a different environmental issue each year.
LECTURE TO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS 2002 (TEMPORARY)