Petrography and Laboratory

A.Y. 2020/2021
10
Max ECTS
96
Overall hours
SSD
GEO/07
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic petrology, and Laboratory
Ability to understand the genetic processes of the rocks of magmatic and metamorphic origin
Expected learning outcomes
Applying knowledge and understanding: Ability to translate the acquired skills in a broader geological context, applying the principles of rock formation to the definition of natural mineral resources.
Making judgements: Achieving autonomy in the evaluation of the physical and chemical data of the rocks in order to provide a scientifically correct description of the geological contexts
Communication skills: Ability to orally illustrate the analytical aspects and to present in writing a synthesis of the obtained knowledge
Learning skills: Ability to advancing knowledge in basic geological studies
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
Theory lessons

Should the health emergency persist in the second semester, the lessons will be held on the Microsoft Teams platform and can be followed both in synchrony on the basis of the first quarter schedule and in asynchronous because they will be recorded and left available to students on the same platform. .

Program and reference material
The program and reference material will not change.

Methods for verifying learning and evaluation criteria
The theory exam will take place orally using the Microsoft Teams platform or, where the regulations allow, in person, in writing.

Petrography Laboratory

Teaching methods and delivery methods

Practical lessons in the microscope classroom can be attended in person at the times indicated (in compliance with the rules relating to the COVID emergency), or in synchronous mode on the Teams platform by sharing the desktop of the computer connected to the microscope; they will also be recorded and made available asynchronously on the Teams platform. The ways to participate in face-to-face lessons will be published on the Ariel pages of the course.

Asynchronous lessons (pdf) are also available on Ariel, which present in a synthetic way theoretical explanations and photographic examples relating to the topics covered in the corresponding classroom lessons.

Reference materials:

The program does not undergo any changes.

All teaching materials are available on Ariel - Petrography Laboratory.

Learning assessment procedures and assessment criteria

If due to the COVID emergency it is not possible to carry out the test in person in the usual way, it will take place orally using the Teams platform by sharing the images of the camera connected to the microscope.

The evaluation criteria are unchanged.
Course syllabus
PETROGRAPHY AND LABORATORY
Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology with laboratory
Composition and physical properties of mantle and crust. Origin, chemical and physical characters of the magma. Equilibrium versus fractional crystallization and melting in silicatic systems. Mantle sources and mantle contamination. Magma differentiation. Assimilation. Crustal anatexis. Mixing, mingling. Orogenic plutonism. Geochemical behaviour of trace elements and isotopes in the evolution of magma. Magmatic series and geodynamic environment.
Metamorphic petrology. Metamorphic processes; temperature, pressure, deformation; the role of fluids. Metamorphic grade, facies, isograds. Contact metamorphism. Orogenic metamorphism. High pressure metamorphism: eclogites. Granulites and the genesis of the deep crust. Vapour-present and vapour absent partial melting; migmatites. Ocean floor metamorphism. P-T-time paths. Retrograde metamorphism. The protoliths of metamorphic rocks.

Different techniques for the microscopic identification of the main magmatic and metamorphic minerals based on their optical characters in polarized light. Description and genetic interpretation of the main microstructures. Criteria for the petrographic study of magmatic and metamorphic rocks in thin section.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge of the contents of the teaching of Introduction to Geology and Laboratory, Mineralogy, Chemistry and Minerals and Rocks Laboratory is required.
Teaching methods
Attending classes is warmly recommended
A one day field trip is planned
Teaching Resources
John D. Winter (2010) Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Pearson, ISBN-10: 0321592573

Laboratory practicals, please visit the website:
https://ariel.unimi.it/
Bibliography
Deer, Howie, Zussman - An Introduction to the Rock Forming Minerals, Longman Ed.
Slides and texts available on Ariel - Laboratorio Petrografia
Assessment methods and Criteria
The verification of the acquisition of the contents related to the Practical test with the microscope (Petrography Laboratory module): it requires the description of the mineral composition and structure and classification of two rock sections (one magmatic and one metamorphic); the duration of the test is 3 hours and only written texts and personal notes are allowed;
GEO/07 - PETROLOGY AND PETROGRAPHY - University credits: 10
Field activity: 12 hours
Practicals: 36 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Professors: Caironi Valeria, Poli Stefano, Tiepolo Massimo, Tumiati Simone
Shifts:
Professor: Poli Stefano
Didattica Obbligatoria di Terreno
Professors: Tiepolo Massimo, Tumiati Simone
Turno I
Professor: Caironi Valeria
Turno II
Professor: Caironi Valeria
Turno Unico
Professor: Caironi Valeria
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday, 12.30 - 13.30
Via Botticelli 23, Milano
Reception:
Monday 12.30-13.30
via Boticelli 23