stn@u

Welcome to ESS 345.

This course provides an overview of the vast field of economic geology. It covers the formation and geologic context of metallic and non-metallic ore deposits and energy resources. We start with some economic perspectives, to understand why most rocks are just rocks, but some rocks are ore deposits. We then move on to study various types of ores formed in magmatic, hydrothermal, sedimentary and surficial environments, as well as coal, gas and petroleum deposits. To understand the processes involved we will review the transport and chemistry of melts and fluids in the crust, oxidation/reduction reactions, metal complexes, element partitioning, and element concentration by weathering reactions and sediment transport. Because ore deposits are such a varied and unusual set of rocks the course will touch on a lot of equally unusual and fascinating geology:

oxygenation of the early atmosphere

crustal melting by giant impacts

liquid immiscibility in magmas

sulfide smokestacks on the seafloor

the geologic history of atmospheric CO₂

colonization of the shallow marine world in the early Cambrian, and more.

Along the way we will encounter topical questions about recycling and sustainable resource use, energy and global politics, alternative energy sources, and the current 'fracking' boom. We'll also take a quick look at Washington State natural resources, past and present. The energy industry is a major employer in the United States, as are the mining and exploration industries here, in Canada, and overseas. This class alone won't get you a well-paying job in that world, but it will give you a glimpse and help you decide if you want to pursue a career in this branch of the Earth sciences.