Petrography
A.Y. 2023/2024
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 can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
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. In order to take the Petrography exam, it is mandatory to have taken the Mineralogy exam (Manifesto degli Studi, compulsory preparatory courses).
Teaching methods
Lectures and practicals. Attendance at the practicals is mandatory.
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 consist of:
- a written test with 30 multiple choice questions (first partial)
Each correct answer will be awarded 1 point. Each incorrect answer will receive a penalty of 0.25 points. No points will be awarded for unanswered questions.
- a practical test of description and recognition of 2 rock samples (second partial)
- an oral test that can only be held if the two written tests are successfully passed (verbalization)
The 3 tests will be provided for each session. It is also possible to register for only one of the 3 tests. It is emphasized that to access the oral exam it will be necessary to have passed the other two tests. Each single written test will be valid for one year.
An in itinere test is foreseen for the written test with 30 multiple choice questions (first partial).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.
- a written test with 30 multiple choice questions (first partial)
Each correct answer will be awarded 1 point. Each incorrect answer will receive a penalty of 0.25 points. No points will be awarded for unanswered questions.
- a practical test of description and recognition of 2 rock samples (second partial)
- an oral test that can only be held if the two written tests are successfully passed (verbalization)
The 3 tests will be provided for each session. It is also possible to register for only one of the 3 tests. It is emphasized that to access the oral exam it will be necessary to have passed the other two tests. Each single written test will be valid for one year.
An in itinere test is foreseen for the written test with 30 multiple choice questions (first partial).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:
Borghini Giulioturno 4
Professor:
Borghini GiulioEducational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday-Friday with appointment
Via Botticelli 23 - office first floor