Module GEOL2031: PETROLOGY OF EARTH MATERIALS

Department: EARTH SCIENCES

GEOL2031: PETROLOGY OF EARTH MATERIALS

Prerequisites

• Earth Materials (GEOL1021).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To understand the petrogenesis, mineralogy and processes involved in the formation of igneous, pyroclastic and metamorphic rocks.
• To develop an understanding of the processes involved in the formation and diagenesis of sedimentary rocks and enable the identification and evaluation of sedimentary units on scales from microscopic to formational.

Content

• Part A: Igneous petrology: melting processes, petrology of different igneous rock groupings.
• Volcanology: magma properties, lava eruption and near-vent processes, pyroclastic rocks.
• Metamorphic petrology and geochemistry: types of metamorphism, metamorphic facies, tectures, minerals, chemistry of metamorphic rocks.
• Part B: Facies analysis of slicilclastics and carbonates.
• Processes of transport and deposition.
• Petrology of sands and limestones.
• Diagenesis.
• Continental depositional systems.
• Marginal marine depositional systems.
• Marine depositional systems.
• Controls on sedimentation, analysis and interpretation.

Learning Outcomes

• evaluate the physical, chemical and biological processes that lead to sedimentary rock formation and their subsequent diagenesis under different environmental conditions.
• be conversant with the principal environments in which sediments are deposited and be able to identify these in the geological record on the basis of their distinguishing features.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in geological principles, terms, definitions and classifications.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in the structure, composition and history of the Earth/geological timescales.
• Will have acquired subject knowledge and understanding in the structure and properties of Earth materials.

• On successful completion of this module students will be able to: use hand specimens and the petrological and microscope to identify minerals and assess the significance of textures processes of formation in selected suites of metamorphic, igneous and pyroclastic rocks.
• construct, correlate and interpret measured sections through a variety of rock successions to enable spatial and temporal variations to be identified and appropriately evaluated.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills necessary to plan, conduct and report on mix of laboratory and field projects.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to observe, record accurately and account for geological features in the laboratory and in the field.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in citation and appropriate use of the literature.

• Use the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information.
• Evaluate performance.
• Develop skills necessary for self-managed lifelong learning (including independent working, time management).
• Develop an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• A mixture of lectures, practicals and a field trip will complement providing an holistic approach that is the realistic practise of geologists.
• Guidance on preparation, key and exam skills are provided.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Practical SAQs and revision sessions.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University