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Igneous and Metamorphic Processes
GG 212
5
20 CATS points
GG105 Mineralogy and Petrology; GG103 Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks OR
equivalent 1st year petrology course
Delivered over two semesters
This module aims to extend knowledge of the characteristics of igneous rocks and
metamorphic rocks, understand the applications of trace elements, stable and
radiogenic isotopes in their interpretation and to understand how these rocks
formed in relation to plate tectonics and Earth evolution.
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
1. identify common igneous rock types in hand specimen and using a petrological
microscope, and explain the basis of igneous rock classification
2. interpret igneous phase diagrams and explain the formation of igneous rocks in
terms of melting and crystallisation processes
3. explain the evolution of bulk rock chemistry as a result of melting, assimilation
and fractional crystallisation, and describe the use of trace elements and
isotopes in igneous petrology
4. explain the formation of textural features in igneous and metamorphic rocks
and how they are used to interpret geological history
5. describe the metamorphic changes in a range of rock types under a range of
physical conditions, the use of metamorphic phase diagrams to infer the
conditions of formation of a given mineral assemblage, and to interpret the
metamorphic history of an area in terms of a P-T-t path
6. discuss the relationship between magmatism, metamorphism and plate
tectonics
7. produce a report on the basis of data provided and interpretation of
observations
Classification of igneous rocks; melting and crystallisation process in magmas;
formation of igneous textures; trace elements and isotopes in petrology; formation
of basaltic, intermediate and granitic magmas; P-T, T-X, P-X diagrams; plotting
metamorphic rock compositions in AFM and ACF diagrams; basic chemical
thermodynamic controls on metamorphic reactions; metamorphism of pelites,
limestones and basalts; interpretation of metamorphic textures; tectonic
environments of metamorphism and relationship to magmatism and plate tectonics.
Practical work on the petrology of specimen suites from metamorphic and
magmatic environments and interpretation of data sets derived from igneous and
metamorphic rocks.
Lectures, laboratory practical classes, directed study and assessment.
Indicative reading:
Barker, A J. 1998. Introduction to metamorphic textures and microstructures, 2nd
ed. Nelson Thornes.
Best, M.G. 2003. Igneous and metamorphic petrology. 2nd edition. Blackwell
Science.
Hall, A. 1996. Igneous petrology. 2nd edition. Longman.
MacKenzie, W.S. & Adams, A.E. 1994. Colour atlas of rocks and minerals in thin
section. Manson Publishing.
Winter, J.D. 2001. An introduction to igneous and metamorphic petrology. Prentice
Hall.
Yardley, B.W.D. 1989. An introduction to metamorphic petrology. Longman.
Yardley, B.W.D., MacKenzie, W.S., Guilford, C. 1990. Atlas of metamorphic
rocks and their textures. Longman.
Geology laboratory with sets of rock specimens; petrological microscopes;
multiple sets of thin sections.
Assessment
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School Home
External Examiner
UKESCC software modules 'Basic petrography', 'Petrogenesis of granitic rocks',
'Phase diagrams in igneous systems'.
2hr unseen examination at end of semester 2 – 40% (LOs 1–6)
Practical reports – 60% (LOs 1–7)
Coursework 1 – 30%, submitted in semester 1
Coursework 2 – 30%, submitted in semester 2
Igneous and metamorphic rocks comprise the bulk of the continental crust.
Understanding the composition and formation of these rocks is important as they
preserve records of the evolution of the Earth and its tectonic regimes. This module
explores the origin of these materials and how they provide an insight into the
Earth's internal processes, a subject of ongoing scientific investigation and debate.
Civil Engineering and Geology
Martin Smith (coordinator), Norman Moles, and Laurence Hopkinson
This 20-credit module extends over semesters 1 and 2
Moulsecoomb
10th May 2006
10th May 2006
1
GG210 Petrology (a 10-credit module)
Geology, compulsory
Geography and Geology, optional
BSc (Hons) Geology, compulsory
BSc (Hons) Geography and Geology, optional
School of the Environment
Dr Robin Strachan (2004) or successor