EMSC3024 Magmatism and Metamorphism

Later Year Course

Offered By	Research School of Earth Sciences
Academic Career	Undergraduate
Course Subject	Earth and Marine Science
Offered in	First Semester, 2010 and First Semester, 2011
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	This course focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to understand the processes and environments in which magmatic and metamorphic rocks form, including the following topics: the relations between crystallisation and deformation in metamorphic rocks and their link to evolution of orogens; reconstruction of plate tectonic processes from detailed investigation at a grain scale; construction and detailed interpretation of phase diagrams; the role of fluid phases and the use of trace elements, radiogenic and stable isotopes to constrain magmatic and metamorphic processes. In addition, the rates of processes are explored: are these fast and furious, or slow and steady. Laboratory: Characterisation and interpretation of microstructures in magmatic and metamorphic rocks using optical and electron microscopes, construction and interpretation of phase diagrams, selected excursions to Canberra and surroundings. Honours pathway option (HPO) Additional readings of greater conceptual difficulty requiring an advanced scientific understanding will be made available for students enrolled in the Honours pathway option (HPO). 20 per cent of the marks available on the exam will be answers to alternate questions for HPO students. Integration of this material in the essay will be expected.
Learning Outcomes	On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to: 1. Recognize key metamorphic and magmatic minerals in hand specimens and thin sections. Classification of magmatic and metamorphic rocks based on their mineralogy. 2. Reconstruct conditions of rock formation from the texture and composition of minerals 3. Explain the relation of rock forming processes to tectonic environments 4. Construct phase diagrams and use them to interpret rock textures and rock forming processes 5. Explain the recycling of key elements and volatiles in deep Earth cycles.
Indicative Assessment	Assessment will be based on: Laboratory work (30%; LO 1, 2, 4 , 5) Field excursion report (10%; LO 1-4) Theory examination (two tests of 30% each; LO 1, 2, 4)
Workload	Two hours of lectures and three hours of practicals weekly, plus one day field trip to Cooma (date to be negotiated)
Areas of Interest	Earth and Marine Sciences
Requisite Statement	EMSC2020 The Lithosphere
Incompatibility	GEOL3024
Recommended Courses	EMSC2020 The Lithosphere, EMSC2017 Mineralogy
Preliminary Reading	J. D. Winter (2001) An Introduction to Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Prentice Hall.
Science Group	C
Academic Contact	Dr Hermann

The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.