Jordon Hemingway: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2021

Name	Prof. Dr. Jordon Hemingway
Field	Surface Earth Evolution
Address	Evolution der Erdoberfläche ETH Zürich, NO G 65 Sonneggstrasse 5 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND
Telephone	+41 44 633 21 47
E-mail	jordon.hemingway@eaps.ethz.ch
URL	http://www.jordonhemingway.com
Department	Earth and Planetary Sciences
Relationship	Assistant Professor

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
651-1091-00L	Colloquium Department Earth Sciences	0 credits	1K	A. Fichtner, J. Hemingway
Abstract	Invited speakers from the entire range of Earth Sciences.
Learning objective	Selected themes in sedimentology, tectonics, paläontology, geophysics, geochemistry, mineralogy, paleoclimate and engineering geology on a regional and global scale.
Content	According to variable program.
Lecture notes	No
Literature	No
651-4145-00L	Seminar on Precambrian Geobiology and Biogeochemical Cycles	1 credit	1S	J. Hemingway, C. Magnabosco
Abstract	The Precambrian Earth experienced several environmental states—all drastically different from today—that are recorded in sedimentological, fossil, and genetic records. We will review "classic" and more recent scientific literature on the evolution of chemical and biological processes to critically evaluate what we do and don't know about how our planet's biogeochemistry has changed through time.
Learning objective	For decades, researchers have attempted to reconstruct Precambrian environmental states and their relative timing using tracers recorded in the sedimentological, fossil, and genetic records. Here, by reading and discussing “classic” and more recently published scientific papers, students will learn about influential discoveries related to Earth history within the fields of geobiology and geochemistry. In completing the course, students will specifically learn: * Why Earth’s surface chemical composition evolved from anoxic to oxic environments * How life evolved from simple prokaryotic metabolisms to multicellular eukaryotes * The importance of geological, chemical, and biological feedback mechanisms * How to discern between biologic innovation and environmental importance * How to summarize, interpret, and discuss current evidence for what is and isn’t known about Earth’s geochemical and geobiological evolution * How to assess opposing scientific viewpoints and outstanding questions in the literature
Content	Each lecture period will consist of a presentation and discussion—to be led by 1-2 students (depending on class size)—covering a given paper or set of papers. All students are expected to read the relevant papers before class and come prepared for discussion. Lecture periods will be divided between “review” presentations aimed at introducing the background and fundamentals of each topic and “debate” or “comparison”-style presentations, in which two (sometimes opposing) views of a given topic will be discussed and assessed.
Lecture notes	Where available, presentations and notes will be provided online during the course.
Literature	All required and recommended scientific publications will be provided online during the course.
651-4341-00L	Source to Sink Sedimentary Systems	3 credits	2G	T. I. Eglinton, J. Hemingway, S. Willett
Abstract	The transfer and redistribution of mass and chemical elements at the Earth’s surface is controlled by a wide range of processes that will affect the magnitude and nature of fluxes exported from continental fluvial systems. This course addresses the production, transport, and deposition of sediments from source to sink and their interaction with biogeochemical cycles.
Learning objective	This course aims at integrating different earth science disciplines (geomorphology, geochemistry, and tectonics) to gain a better understanding of the physical and biogeochemical processes at work across the sediment production, routing, and depositional systems. It will provide insight into how it is actually possible to “see a world in a grain of sand” by taking into account the cascade of physical and chemical processes that shaped and modified sediments and chemical elements from their source to their sink.
Content	Lectures will introduce the main source to sink concepts and cover physical and biogeochemical processes in upland, sediment producing areas (glacial and periglacial processes; mass movements; hillslopes and soil processes/development; critical zone biogeochemical processes). Field excursion (3 days, 8-10 October): will cover the upper Rhône from the Rhône glacier to the Rhône delta in Lake Geneva) as small scale source-to-sink system. Practicals comprise (I) a small autonomous project on the Rhône catchment based on samples collected during the field trip and (II) an independent report on how you would design, build, and implement your own source-to-sink study.
Lecture notes	Lecture notes are provided online during the course. They summarize the current subjects week by week and provide the essential theoretical background.
Literature	Suggested references : - "Sediment routing systems: the fate of sediments from Source to Sink" by Philip A. Allen (Cambridge University Press) - "Principles of soilscape and landscape evolution by Garry Willgoose" (Cambridge University Press) - "Geomorphology, the mechanics and chemistry of landscapes" by Robert S. Anderson & Suzanne P. Anderson (Cambridge University Press)