The course will give an introduction to the principles of X-Ray
Fluorescence (XRF) Spectroscopy, including an overview of the various
types of XRF instruments currently available and their application to
different problems in sedimentary geology. The suitability of each
approach for specific research questions will be addressed, and a
general overview of the strengths and limitations of each approach will
be given. These will include issues of spatial resolution, range of
elements to be analyzed, portability, affordability, etc. The course
includes an introduction to data handling in XRF spectroscopy, with an
emphasis on line-scanning and 2D mapping approaches to the analysis of
sediment sequences, in particular in Holocene paleoenvironmental
research. During the course, students will carry out real-time exercises
with XRF datasets, using Excel and other software. Evaluation is based
on the completion of these exercises during the course period, including
the writing of a short report based on a set of questions related to
the data and their interpretation.