Learning objectives
The goals of the course are to provide: a solid background on how igneous and metamorphic rocks form and evolve within their plate tectonic context; the required knowledge in the identification of them.
It is expected that on completion of this subject, student should understand and be able to identify these two types of rocks of the Earth and to comprehend the processes by which these rocks form and evolve. These expertises are required for professions in which a background on the earth processes is important.
Prerequisites
Mineralogy
Course unit content
Physical state and composition of the Earth.
Plate tectonics: an outline.
The rock cycle.
Igneous rocks:
origin and evolution of magmas ;
petrographic and geochemical features of igneous rock;
classification of igneous rocks;
magmatic series and geodynamic contest.
Metamorphic rocks:
physical and chemical factors controlling metamorphism;
kinds of metamorphism;
metamorphic textures;
classification of metamorphic rocks;
metamorphism and geodynamics.
Structure, composition and classification of sedimentary rocks: an outline.
Full programme
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Bibliography
W. S. MacKenzie, C. Guilford, Atlante dei minerali costituenti le rocce in sezione sottile, Zanichelli
W. S. MacKenzie, C. H. Donaldson, C. Guilford, Atlante delle rocce magmatiche e delle loro tessiture, Zanichelli
B. W. D. Yardley, W. S. MacKenzie, C. Guilford, Atlante delle rocce metamorfiche e delle loro microstrutture, Zanichelli
D'Amico C., Innocenti F.& Sassi F.P. (1987): Magmatismo e metamorfismo. UTET, pp. 536.
L. Morbidelli (2005). Le rocce e i loro costituenti. Seconda edizione. Bardi Ed., Roma
A. Peccerillo & D. Perugini (2003). Introduzione alla Petrografia ottica. Morlacchi Ed.,Perugia
Teaching methods
The course consists of frontal lessons, petrography laboratory and field laboratory. The teaching activity will be developed in collaboration with Alessandra Montanini, a collegue of the Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra and sector's specialists.
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam consists of written accounts (Igneous Petrography, an Metamorphic Petrography) and an oral test.
Other information
Teaching tools: Power Point presentations; collections of samples and rosk's thin sections. Transmitted Polarized Light Microscopes.
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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