Description

The first part of the course will introduce the main chemistry and chemical processes of sea water. Quantification of the major elements, trace elements and dissolved gases and the chemical interactions on the interface of sea, land and air will be explained. Simple models of the coastal processes will be used to explain circulations and flow. Terrestrial and riverine sources of natural and anthropogenic chemicals will be described as well as their behavior in the coastal and shelf zone. Biogeochemical processes with compounds like carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon and oxygen will be explained in that context.

The second part of course will be on contaminants and their monitoring. Different sources, pathways and fate of pollutants will be discussed as well as background concentration levels of natural constituents. The design and execution of marine monitoring programmes as well as evaluation of results from monitoring programmes is an important part of the course. The third part of the course will be on the state of the coastal zones in the world and international and national responds to pollution in these areas. International cooperation and conventions will be discussed as well as national regulations relating to contamination and water quality in the coastal zone.

Learning outcomes

• Students will gain an understanding of the chemical composition of coastal waters and the various natural processes and human activities which have an influence there.
• Students will gain basic knowledge to design monitoring programmes and asses the results obtained.
• Students will become familiar with the variety of coastal issues which are important in different parts of the world and international efforts and conventions relating to coastal water quality management.

Assessment

Two papers, individual and group. Case study/paper.

Instructor

Professional education:
BSc Chemistry and oceanography, University of Wales (Bangor), 1968.
MSc Oceanography, The University of Liverpool, 1974.

Professional posistions:
Oceanographer at the Marine Research Institute, Reykjavík, 1968-1969, 1971-1984, 1991-1994.
Head of Oceanography and Ecology Div., Marine Research Institute, Reykjavík, 1985-1990.
Professor of Chemical Oceanography, University of Iceland, from July 1994.

Jón has participated and is involved in many international scientific projects for example for the Nordic Council and European Commission.

Guest lecturer

Further reading