Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology.

Catalog description

The study of igneous and metamorphic rocks along with related topics in high-temperature geochemistry. Lecture sessions present petrogenesis and classification within the context of different plate tectonic settings. The emphasis is on topics such as magmatic melting and crystallization processes; the role of temperature, pressure, and fluids; thermodynamics; and isotope and trace element geochemistry. Laboratory projects include the identification and observation of rock types and their variation, quantitative use of thermodynamics and geochronology, and the significance of rock fabrics as observed in hand specimen and thin section. Three and a half hours lecture and three hours laboratory per week. Field trip fee and lab fee. Alternate years. Prerequisite: GEOL 343 ; GEOL 232 recommended.