HAT201T Selection

The EU introduces the concept and practical application of experimental studies in Earth sciences, from instrumental measurement in the field to quantitative analysis, modeling, and interpretation of the data acquired. In practice, the EU focuses on a physical measurement method, gravimetry, applied to Earth dynamics. Some of the field experiments focus on the global structure of the Earth (measurement of g and its vertical gradient to determine mass) and its dynamics (elastic deformation due to tidal phenomena). A second part is dedicated to local subsurface imaging in relation to water resources (imaging and mass balance in relation to subsurface water storage). A significant part of the EU is devoted to the analysis and modeling of measurements.

Hourly volumes:

• CM: 12 p.m.
• TD: 12 p.m.
• Practical work: 6 hours
• Field: 6 hours

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1) Thermodynamics and Chemical Equilibrium (27 hours)

1.1 Course (15 hours): fundamentals of thermodynamics (concepts of energy and entropy), chemical potential and equilibrium; degree of advancement; equilibrium displacement; applications to solution chemistry and phase transitions.

 1.2 Tutorials (13 hours):

Focusing on the concept of energy in order to clearly relate the different forms of energy; focusing on the concept of entropy: link between micro and macroscopic states, notion of reversibility/irreversibility and equilibrium; focusing on the notion of chemical potential: use of the law of mass action (equilibrium in solution and phase transition).    

2) Introduction to chemical kinetics (6 hours)

 2.1 Lecture (2 hours): Link between thermodynamics and kinetics: Transition State Theory/Activated Complex Theory; Definition: speed, order, and rate constant, half-life; Simple kinetics cases; Thermal activation: Arrhenius equation

2.2 Tutorials (4 hours): determining the order of a reaction; use of parameters

characteristics (_t1/2, k..); determination of activation energy

3) Introduction to Radioactivity (3 hours)

3.1 The course (1.5 hours): history ; structure of the nucleus, particles and forces involved; nuclear reactions: fusion/disintegration and radiation; isotopes and stability; natural radioactivity; DE=Dm.^c2 

3.2 Tutorials (1.5 hours): energy: comparison between chemical reactions and nuclear reactions; decay time;^C14 dating

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Origin and Evolution of the Planet;

Geological time scale and geochronology;

Past geographies, topographies, and environments;

Interactions between the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere,

Human evolution and anthropization;

Natural resources (water, energy, mineral resources) and anthropization 

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The planetology course focuses on the Solar System and its planets. Its position in the Universe is also discussed, introducing the concept of exoplanets (detection and habitability). The course consists of three parts: astrophysics, geophysics, and geochemistry. The astrophysics section begins by providing context within the Universe, then addresses the formation of the Solar System, its dynamics, and its evolution. The geophysics part deals with planetary interiors and their evolution based on data from space missions. The geochemistry part focuses on nucleosynthesis, the abundance of chemical elements, and the composition of the primitive Earth, the present Earth, and other planets based on the study of meteorites. The approach developed combines theoretical and practical approaches.

Hourly volumes:

• CM: 6 p.m.
• Tutorial: 9 a.m.
• Practical work: 9 hours

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Chapter 1: Sequences: Arithmetic and geometric sequences. Calculating sums.

Chapter 2: Hyperbolic functions: definition, curves, derivatives

Chapter 3: Integral calculus: integrals, primitives, IPP, change of variables, first-order differential equations

Chapter 4: Curves and surfaces: straight lines , planes, circles, parabolas, cylindrical and spherical coordinates, lengths, areas, volumes of common solids

Hourly volumes:

• CM: 18
• TD: 18

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Through this EU, several disciplines will be covered in order to provide reminders and/or basic information concerning: the Biosphere, Hydrosphere, and Atmosphere, as well as, and above all, their evolution since the planet's origins. The disciplines (and major themes) covered will be:

-Paleontology: Evolution, Biochronology and Geological Eras, Biodiversity and Past Crises.

-Climatology and Oceanography: How can we study the climate? What is the role of the ocean and the terrestrial biosphere? In response to contemporary global challenges, tools are being developed to better characterize the mechanisms of climate change and their impacts on terrestrial and marine environments from the past to the future, particularly through changes in biogeochemical cycles on a global scale. Environmental geochemistry will be a key method for characterizing both anthropogenic and natural footprints.

The main objectives are to gain a thorough understanding of how these envelopes interacted with the geosphere in the past (covered in greater depth in EU HAT102T Geology) and to learn how to analyze a current natural landscape in terms of its evolution over geological time.

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