Petrography and Laboratory
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic petrology, and Laboratory
Ability to understand the genetic processes of the rocks of magmatic and metamorphic origin
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
Practicals: 36 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Shifts:
Professor:
Poli Stefano
Turno I
Professor:
Secchiari AriannaTurno II
Professor:
Secchiari AriannaEducational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Monday, 12.30 - 13.30
Via Botticelli 23, Milano
Reception:
Monday 12.30-13.30
via Boticelli 23