Module GL3303: Mineralogy and metamorphic petrology

Contact hours & timing:

Description(Aims):

The module includes three related modules: (a) Mineralogy of Rock-Forming Minerals: this module aims to reinforce and extend the mineralogy component of the GL2201 module, including nesosilicates, chain silicates, sheet silicates and framework silicates, plus carbonates. (b) Hand Specimen Mineralogy: this is a practical module that aims to develop skill in the identification, and knowledge of the chemistry, of the more important rock forming minerals and ore minerals in hand specimen. (c) Metamorphic Petrology: this module aims to introduce the main kinds of metamorphic rock, with emphasis on the relationship between mineral composition and rock composition particularly in metabasites and metashales. It also looks at the evolution of rock texture and the role of fluids during metamorphism, at the global tectonic settings of metamorphism, and at methods of estimating the fossil pressure and temperature conditions during metamorphism.

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of the module students will be able to identify the major rock-forming minerals in hand specimen and thin section, to state their chemistry, crystal structure, and geological occurrence. They will be able to identify in hand specimen and state the chemistry of a large number of less common minerals, including many ore minerals. (PO2) Students will be able to identify and write a detailed technical description of a metamorphic rock in thin Geology Undergraduate Course Handbook - 16 - section, and they will know how to interpret the mineral assemblage and texture of a metamorphic rock in terms of its history. (PO4, 6) They will be able to explain the
processes of metamorphism. (PO1, 4).

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