Titre : Géochimie des isotopes stables et fractionnements dits ‘indépendants de la masse’ Stable isotope geochemistry and the so-called ‘mass-independent’ fractionations

Language : french (or english if a subsequent number of non native french speakers attend)

Introduction and Objectives : The use of so-called 'mass-independent’ fractionations of stable isotope has increased widely over the last 15 years, with applications in cosmochemistry, to decipher Archean and Proterozoic paleo-environmental conditions, to trace atmospheric chemical pathways etc… Yet, behind, the wording 'mass-independent’, there are actually many processes leading to 'mass-independent fractionations', including many 'mass-dependent’ processes. This, I think, is very confusing for anyone starting in this field (or if you attended a talk on this topic in an international conference).

After the class, you should have a good level of understanding of all the different ways to generate 'mass-independent fractionations' and their possible/past applications.

How will the class work : After a somewhat formal (and rigorous) introduction of what is 'mass-dependent fractionation', each week we will focus on a series of papers. Groups of 2 to 3 students will have a paper to read every week, paper that you will present/summarize to others within 3 slides. Then will have a discussion/explanation of the difference mechanisms (and their applications) leading to mass-independent fractionations.

Who can attend ? PhD student, post-docs (permanents welcome too) i.e.. inside and outside USPC.

Evaluation : no exam but your presence is a prerequisite.

When and other details : 20 hours, most likely as 10 x 2 hours, two classes a week; September/October 2016