Experimental and Computational Modeling in Petrology
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
This course provides an advanced introduction to experimental petrology as a quantitative tool to investigate deep Earth processes, from mantle melting to subduction and fluid/melt-rock interaction.
The course is research-oriented and strongly practice-driven. Students will engage with real experimental strategies used in modern petrology, learning how to design, run, and interpret experiments that reproduce geological processes under controlled pressure-temperature conditions.
A significant component of the course is laboratory-based. Depending on the number of enrolled students, a large fraction of the teaching will take place in the Experimental Petrology Laboratory of the Department of Earth Sciences, where students will directly interact with experimental setups (e.g., furnaces, pressure vessels, piston-cylinder systems), sample preparation workflows, and analytical procedures.
The course is research-oriented and strongly practice-driven. Students will engage with real experimental strategies used in modern petrology, learning how to design, run, and interpret experiments that reproduce geological processes under controlled pressure-temperature conditions.
A significant component of the course is laboratory-based. Depending on the number of enrolled students, a large fraction of the teaching will take place in the Experimental Petrology Laboratory of the Department of Earth Sciences, where students will directly interact with experimental setups (e.g., furnaces, pressure vessels, piston-cylinder systems), sample preparation workflows, and analytical procedures.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Design a petrological experiment addressing a geological question
Select appropriate P-T-X conditions, starting materials, and redox buffers
Understand the strengths and limitations of different experimental techniques
Interpret experimental results in terms of phase equilibria, reaction mechanisms, and kinetics
Critically assess experimental data from the literature
Integrate experimental constraints with natural systems and thermodynamic modelling
Design a petrological experiment addressing a geological question
Select appropriate P-T-X conditions, starting materials, and redox buffers
Understand the strengths and limitations of different experimental techniques
Interpret experimental results in terms of phase equilibria, reaction mechanisms, and kinetics
Critically assess experimental data from the literature
Integrate experimental constraints with natural systems and thermodynamic modelling
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
Course syllabus
1. Experimental Petrology as a Research Tool
· What can (and cannot) be reproduced experimentally
· Linking experiments to geological questions
· Scale, simplification, and limitations
2. Thermodynamics and Phase Relations
· Phase equilibria and Gibbs free energy
· Construction and interpretation of phase diagrams
· Open vs. closed systems
· Role of fluids and volatiles
3. Experimental Design
· From geological problem to experimental strategy
· Selection of starting materials
· Control of variables: P, T, fO₂, fluid composition
· Equilibrium vs. kinetics
4. Experimental Techniques
· High-temperature furnaces
· Hydrothermal systems and cold-seal vessels
· Piston-cylinder apparatus
· Multi-anvil systems
· Diamond anvil cells
· Calibration strategies and uncertainties
5. Laboratory Practice (Core Component)
· Sample preparation (powders, capsules, assemblages)
· Capsule selection (Au, Pt, BN, graphite, etc.)
· Redox buffering techniques
· Running experiments and troubleshooting
· Post-run sample recovery and preparation
Hands-on or demonstration activities will be carried out in the Experimental Petrology Laboratory. The extent of direct student involvement will depend on class size.
6. Analytical Methods and Data Interpretation
· Microstructural analysis
· Electron microprobe and SEM
· Phase identification and quantification
· Recognizing equilibrium vs. disequilibrium textures
7. Applications to Earth Processes
* Mantle melting and metasomatism
* Oceanic lithosphere formation and evolution
* Water and hydrogen in subduction zones
* Carbon-bearing systems and the deep carbon cycle
* Fluid-rock interaction from mid-ocean ridges to subduction environments
* Crustal anatexis and magma generation
8. Critical Reading and Discussion
· Analysis of landmark and recent papers
· Discussion of experimental strategies and limitations
· Reproducibility and uncertainty
· What can (and cannot) be reproduced experimentally
· Linking experiments to geological questions
· Scale, simplification, and limitations
2. Thermodynamics and Phase Relations
· Phase equilibria and Gibbs free energy
· Construction and interpretation of phase diagrams
· Open vs. closed systems
· Role of fluids and volatiles
3. Experimental Design
· From geological problem to experimental strategy
· Selection of starting materials
· Control of variables: P, T, fO₂, fluid composition
· Equilibrium vs. kinetics
4. Experimental Techniques
· High-temperature furnaces
· Hydrothermal systems and cold-seal vessels
· Piston-cylinder apparatus
· Multi-anvil systems
· Diamond anvil cells
· Calibration strategies and uncertainties
5. Laboratory Practice (Core Component)
· Sample preparation (powders, capsules, assemblages)
· Capsule selection (Au, Pt, BN, graphite, etc.)
· Redox buffering techniques
· Running experiments and troubleshooting
· Post-run sample recovery and preparation
Hands-on or demonstration activities will be carried out in the Experimental Petrology Laboratory. The extent of direct student involvement will depend on class size.
6. Analytical Methods and Data Interpretation
· Microstructural analysis
· Electron microprobe and SEM
· Phase identification and quantification
· Recognizing equilibrium vs. disequilibrium textures
7. Applications to Earth Processes
* Mantle melting and metasomatism
* Oceanic lithosphere formation and evolution
* Water and hydrogen in subduction zones
* Carbon-bearing systems and the deep carbon cycle
* Fluid-rock interaction from mid-ocean ridges to subduction environments
* Crustal anatexis and magma generation
8. Critical Reading and Discussion
· Analysis of landmark and recent papers
· Discussion of experimental strategies and limitations
· Reproducibility and uncertainty
Prerequisites for admission
Students should have a basic understanding of petrography, mineralogy, and geochemistry. Any additional concepts required for the course will be introduced during the lectures.
Teaching methods
The course combines:
· Interactive lectures focused on problem-solving
· Research-paper discussions
· Laboratory-based teaching and demonstrations
· Guided reasoning on experimental datasets
The teaching approach emphasizes active learning, encouraging students to think like experimental petrologists rather than passively acquire knowledge.
Depending on class size and logistical constraints, the course may include visits to experimental petrology laboratories at partner universities and research institutions, including facilities outside Italy, as well as field-based activities focused on petrological processes. These experiences are designed to expose students to a broader range of analytical and experimental infrastructures and to foster the integration of experimental observations with natural geological systems.
· Interactive lectures focused on problem-solving
· Research-paper discussions
· Laboratory-based teaching and demonstrations
· Guided reasoning on experimental datasets
The teaching approach emphasizes active learning, encouraging students to think like experimental petrologists rather than passively acquire knowledge.
Depending on class size and logistical constraints, the course may include visits to experimental petrology laboratories at partner universities and research institutions, including facilities outside Italy, as well as field-based activities focused on petrological processes. These experiences are designed to expose students to a broader range of analytical and experimental infrastructures and to foster the integration of experimental observations with natural geological systems.
Teaching Resources
Selected papers from the experimental petrology literature (provided during the course)
Suggested books:
Edgar, A. D. E. "Experimental petrology: basic principles and techniques", Clarendon Press-Oxford, 1973.
Holloway, J.R. & Wood, B.J. "Simulating the Earth: Experimental Geochemistry", Unwin Hyman, 1988
Suggested books:
Edgar, A. D. E. "Experimental petrology: basic principles and techniques", Clarendon Press-Oxford, 1973.
Holloway, J.R. & Wood, B.J. "Simulating the Earth: Experimental Geochemistry", Unwin Hyman, 1988
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessment is designed to reflect research-oriented skills and may include:
· Oral examination
· Discussion of a scientific paper
· Short project or experimental design exercise
Evaluation will focus on understanding, reasoning, and the ability to apply concepts, rather than rote memorization.
· Oral examination
· Discussion of a scientific paper
· Short project or experimental design exercise
Evaluation will focus on understanding, reasoning, and the ability to apply concepts, rather than rote memorization.
GEOS-01/B - Petrology - University credits: 6
Field activity: 12 hours
Exercises: 12 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Exercises: 12 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professors:
Borghini Giulio, Tumiati Simone
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday at 10-11 am
via Botticelli 23, second floor