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Study of magmatic systems including the nature and origin of igneous materials and links with the physical processes of volcanology.
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. In the second term, emphasis will be given to the petrological aspects of volcanology which will benefit those students wishing to do volcanological research. This course consists of two lectures and one laboratory class per week for 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 volcanolgical processes with relevance to magma properties.
GEOL232 or GEOL242 plus one additional course from GEOL233-GEOL238 or GEOL243-GEOL245.
Ben Kennedy
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 volcanoesOther useful books for the laboratory work are:Shelley, D. "Optical Mineralogy"Shelley, D. "Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks under the Microscope"Deer, W.A., Howie, R.A. and Zussman, J. "An Introduction to the Rock-Forming Minerals"
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Topics to be covered include:• Mineralogical and chemical classification of igneous rocks; igneous associations and relationships with global tectonic settings• Basalt crystallization and the origin of basalt magmas• Classification and nomenclature of granites; origin, emplacement and tectonic significance of granitoids using especially NZ examples• Petrological structure of island arcs and petrogenesis of subduction-related magmas• Mafic-felsic magma interactions in high level magma chambers. • Transition from plutonic to volcanic processes.• Geochemical, volatile, and crystallisation influences on eruption style and experimental volcanology• Controls on magma viscosity• Taupo Volcanic Zone volcanic history case study • Montserrat volcanic history case studyParticipation in lecture will be assessed by the completion and handing in of in class assignments.Schedule of Laboratory Classes:Laboratory classes will be assigned by timetabling 300 level lab, Room 217, Geological Sciences Department. Each student will be allocated a polarising microscope.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 igneous experiments Participation in lab will be assessed by the full completion of the lab.
Week # - Lectures (2) - Labs - (2.5 hrs) - Lecture 1 (1 hr) - Lecture 2 (1 hr) 29 - Introduction - 1-2-3 Component - Systems - Lab 1- Igneous Rock Classification and Textures and Microscope review30 - Chemical Petrology - Chemical Petrology - Lab 2-M&M Magma Chamber 31 - Magma Diversification - Layered Mafic Intrusions - Lab 3 -M&M Magma Chamber 32 - Mid-Ocean Ridge Systems - Oceanic Intraplate Volcanism & Flood Basalts - Lab 4-Basalts 33 - Island Arc Systems - Continental Arc Systems Lab 5-Granites 34 - Other Concepts Review - Mid-Term ExamMID SEMESTER BREAK 37 - Introduction - Geochemical Influence on Eruption Style - Lab 6- Lava flow Fudge lab38 - Volatile Content and its Influence on Eruption Style - Montserrat Case Study - Lab 7- describing volcanic rocks39 - Taupo Volcanic Zone intro Describing Volcanic rocks - Lab 8- Taupo Volcanic Zone Lab40 - Taupo Volcanic Zone - Taupo Volcanic Zone - Lab 9- practice exam lab41 - Taupo Volcanic Zone - White island and hydrothermal activity - Lab 10- explosion lab 42 - Experimental Volcanology - Summary From Source to Eruption - Final Lab Exam
Domestic fee $832.00
International fee $3,638.00
* 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 .