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Study of magmatic systems including the nature and origin of igneous materials and links with the physical processes of volcanology.
2021 Covid-19 Update: Please refer to the course page on AKO | Learn for all information about your course, including lectures, labs, tutorials, field trips and assessments.This course is designed to examine the nature, origin, and interpretation of igneous rocks and mineral assemblages, as well as the magmatic processes that have produced these materials. Additionally, it aims to develop an understanding of the petrological evolution of the crustal lithosphere within a modern plate dynamic framework. Students taking this course will receive a broad grounding in the experimental, petrographical and geochemical aspects of igneous petrogenesis and magmatic processes. Emphasis will also be given to the physical volcanological aspects of volcanology, such as describing volcanic textures and structures with an aim to understand volcanic processes. There will also be an aspect of online learning using virtual fieldtrips to volcanoes to complement face to face and laboratory learning. The course consists of two lectures and one laboratory class in each week of the second semester.
Students successfully completing this course will:Realize the importance of igneous rocks in geology and to society.Identify and classify igneous rocks and their geological environments.Use geochemistry to explain why magma is generated, diversifies and erupts.Use geochemical data, thin sections, and maps to reconstruct the magmatic and volcanological histories.Discuss physical volcanological processes with relevance to magma properties
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Biculturally competent and confident
Students will be aware of and understand the nature of biculturalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, and its relevance to their area of study and/or their degree.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
GEOL242 and any 15 points at 200 level from GEOL
3 lectures per week that include laptop based in-class assignments. Bring your laptop to lectures.1 lab (2.5 hours) per week.
Ben Kennedy
Alex Nichols
Relationship of GEOL336 to other coursesYou cannot take GEOL336 without first completing GEOL242. GEOL336 is a prerequisite for GEOL474 (Igneous Petrology and Geochemistry), and students wishing to take GEOL476 (Volcanology) are strongly recommended to take this course.AssessmentLaboratory weeks 1-10 (5%) Class weeks 1-10 (5%) participation - 10%Final Laboratory Examination from both terms (Week 11) - 30%Virtual Fieldtrip week 11 and 12 participation (10%) and reflection (10%) - 20%Final Examination from both terms (Closed Book; 3 hours; UC Exam Period) - 40%Lab classes will comprise a mix of microscope work, geochemical data analysis and computer-assisted learning:• Introductory labs on igneous petrographic nomenclature and thin section descriptions• Introduction to the use of geochemical data on igneous rocks to describe and identify magmatic processes• Edible and explosive igneous experiments.Participation in lab will be assessed by the full completion of the lab.Participation in lecture will be assessed by the completion and handing in of in class assignments.
Winter, John D; Principles of igneous and metamorphic petrology ; 2nd ed; Prentice Hall, 2010.
Volcanology texts are posted on the learn website- Practical volcanology, and Encyclopedia of volcanoes
Library portal
Prerequisites: GEOL242 and any 15 points at 200 level from GEOL Recommended preparation: Geol 113
Domestic fee $910.00
International fee $4,438.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Earth and Environment .