Petrography
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The main objectives of the course are to provide the principles of magmatism and metamorphism, and to provide the basis for the recognition and classification of igneous and metamorphic rocks using textural and mineralogical parameters at the macroscopic scale on hand samples.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student should know the principles of petrogenesis of igneous and metamorphic rocks and recognize hand samples of the main lithologies.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
In case of extension of the health emergency phase, the lectures will be held remotely using the MS Teams platform, and can be followed synchronously based on the timetable of the courses for the second semester AY 2020/2021. Particular attention will be paid to organizing shifts composed of a few students to carry out the practical activities dedicated to the observation of rocks. Updates will be available on the Ariel website. Individual contacts with teachers can be held via email and possibly remotely via skype platforms or MS teams.
Course syllabus
Petrogenesis: Composition and physical properties of the solid Earth. Pressure and temperature distribution within the Earth. General outline of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Igneous petrology. Classification of igneous rocks. Chemical and physical characters of the magma: density, temperature, viscosity and volatile content. Effusive and intrusive igneous bodies. Introduction to thermodynamics. Binary and ternary phase diagrams. Equilibrium versus fractional crystallization and melting in silicatic systems. Geochemistry of major, trace elements and isotopes. Origin and evolution of magma. Magmatic series and geodynamic environment.
Metamorphic petrology. Metamorphic processes; temperature, pressure, deformation; the role of fluids. The protoliths of metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic grade and metamorphic facies. Types of metamorphism and geodynamic environment. Metamorphic transformations: metamorphic reactions and textural transformations. Classification of metamorphic rocks.
Practicals:
Identification of major igneous and metamorphic rocks at the macroscale (hand samples)
Igneous petrology. Classification of igneous rocks. Chemical and physical characters of the magma: density, temperature, viscosity and volatile content. Effusive and intrusive igneous bodies. Introduction to thermodynamics. Binary and ternary phase diagrams. Equilibrium versus fractional crystallization and melting in silicatic systems. Geochemistry of major, trace elements and isotopes. Origin and evolution of magma. Magmatic series and geodynamic environment.
Metamorphic petrology. Metamorphic processes; temperature, pressure, deformation; the role of fluids. The protoliths of metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic grade and metamorphic facies. Types of metamorphism and geodynamic environment. Metamorphic transformations: metamorphic reactions and textural transformations. Classification of metamorphic rocks.
Practicals:
Identification of major igneous and metamorphic rocks at the macroscale (hand samples)
Prerequisites for admission
Principles of inorganic chemistry and mineralogy of rock forming minerals are mandatory requirements.
Teaching methods
Lectures and practicals.
Teaching Resources
The lecture slides are available on the Ariel website.
Suggested textbook:
C. Klein and A. Philpotts Earth Materials: Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology" - second edition - Cambridge University Press
Suggested textbook:
C. Klein and A. Philpotts Earth Materials: Introduction to Mineralogy and Petrology" - second edition - Cambridge University Press
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will be written and oral; it includes the description and classification of 2 lithotypes and a series of multiple-choice test on theory. Upon a positive evaluation of the written part, the oral exam will be based on both theoretical and practical principles and will deepen the evaluation of students preparation. Ongoing tests for the written part of the evaluation are planned. The description and classification of the 2 lithotypes allow to evaluate the practical skills of observation and recognition of magmatic and metamorphic rocks and related textures, adopting correct and appropriate terminology. The theoretical questions let evaluate the acquisition of principles of petrology needed to study the petrogenesis of magmatic and metamorphic rocks.
GEO/07 - PETROLOGY AND PETROGRAPHY - University credits: 6
Practicals with elements of theory: 12 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professors:
Borghini Giulio, Fumagalli Patrizia
Shifts:
Professor:
Fumagalli Patrizia
turno 1
Professor:
Borghini Giulioturno 2
Professor:
Borghini Giulioturno 3
Professor:
Fumagalli Patriziaturno 4
Professor:
Fumagalli PatriziaProfessor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday at 10-11 am
via Botticelli 23, second floor
Reception:
Monday-Friday with appointment
Via Botticelli 23 - office first floor