Learning objectives
The goals of the course are to provide: a solid background on how 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 the rocks outcropping on the Earth surface 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
Klein C., Philpotts A. (2013), EARTH MATERIALS: introduction to mineralogy and petrology. Cambridge University Press.
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 and laboratory activity.
Assessment methods and criteria
The exam consists of three 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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