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Semester 2
Igneous, Metamorphic and Ore Processes (EASC10107)
Subject
Earth Science
College
SCE
Credits
20
Normal Year Taken
3
Delivery Session Year
2023/2024
Pre-requisites
Course Organiser approval is required and student should have covered the same material as in the UK pre-requisites.
Course Summary
This course will provide an outline of modern concepts of the formation and evolution of the solid Earth through the study of igneous and metamorphic petrology and geochemistry, and ore-forming processes. The course consists of three inter-related strands. (1) The genesis of basic magmas from the mantle and their subsequent evolution from a geochemical perspective. (2) The relationships between mineral assemblages, rock composition and pressure-temperature conditions of metamorphism linked to the facies concept and PT paths, and their importance for reconstructing tectonic settings and evaluating orogen evolution. (3) The formation of ore deposits, tied in where appropriate to igneous and metamorphic processes.
Course Description
This course will be taught as a mixture of lectures and practicals over ten weeks. Students will gain hands-on experience of petrology and numerical modelling of analytical data to investigate the evolution of the solid Earth and the processes responsible for the formation of economic ore deposits. Week 1: The Earth's mantle; phase diagrams and fractional crystallisation Week 2: The use of trace elements in modelling partial melting and fractional crystallisation processes; radiogenic isotopes (1) and mantle-crust evolution Week 3: Radiogenic isotopes (2); basalt and tectonic fingerprinting; mantle melting and silica saturation Week 4: Felsic igneous rocks; Introduction to ores Week 5: Ore formation and Earth history; igneous ore-forming processes Week 6: Hydrothermal ore-forming processes Week 7: Surficial ore-forming processes; metamorphic mineral assemblages in pelites, phase-relations and AFM diagrams Week 8: Metamorphism of pelites; medium-P facies series Week 9: Metamorphism of pelites: Buchan zones facies series; migmatites and partial melting Week 10: Granulites and UHT metamorphism
Assessment Information
Written Exam 40%, Coursework 60%, Practical Exam 0%
Additional Assessment Information
Assessment Details 40% Exam and 60% classwork assessments (20% for each) Assessment Deadlines Assessment 1 (20%) Semester 2, Thursday week 4, 12:00 noonAssessment 2 (20%) Semester 2, Thursday week 7, 12:00 noonAssessment 3 (20%) Semester 2, Thursday week 10, 12:00 noonWritten Exam (40%) Semester 2, May Exam Diet
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