IGNEOUS AND METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY

This course is aimed to provide the students with the knowledge and skills necessary to investigate and understand in depth the origin and diversification of igneous and metamorphic rocks in specific geodynamic and tectonic settings, and their role in the evolution of the continental crust. To this purpose, the course introduces a variety of both modern and traditional petrologic tools and approaches.

With reference to the themes covered, the course will promote the following competences:

- Knowledge and understanding.  Knowledge and understanding of techniques od petrological investigation and related results. Knowledge and understanding of the main petrogenetic models.

 - Applying knowledge and understanding. Ability to apply the acquired competences for the analysis and interpretation of petrological data. 

 - Making judgements. Ability to synthesise and critically evaluate the reference literature. Ability to identify the most appropriate approaches and analytical  techniques for investigation in specific petrological areas, as well as to assess the reliability of the results obtained.

- Comunication skills. Ability to communicate effectively, with mastery of content and  language property, topics and research results in the field of petrology.

This course consists of a series of lectures (28 hours), complimented by practical sessions (24 hours) and one-day field trip, on selected topics and investigation tools from the discipline areas of igneous and metamorphic petrology. The course combines theory with case studies and applications, with a main focus on themes related to the origin and evolution of the continental crust. An optional day trip to the Peloritani Mountains is also planned.

If the course is taught in mixed or distance mode, the necessary changes may be introduced to comply with the planned program and reported in the syllabus.

Information for students with disabilities and/or Specific Learning Disorders:

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the educational objectives and specific needs.

It is also possible to contact the CInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or DSA) contact professor of our Department, prof. George De Guidi.

Basic knowledge of Mineralogy, Petrography and Geochemistry

Introduction to the course. Aims and methods in Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

 IGNEOUS PETROLOGY                                                                                                                                                  

Textural igneous petrology. Geochemical modelling of igneous processes. Layered mafic intrusions. Large igneous provinces. Petrogenesis of granites and related rocks. Extraction, ascent and emplacement of granitic magmas. Late Variscan granitic  magmatism in the Calabria-Peloritani Orogen.

METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY 

Metamorphism and geodynamics. Metamorphic assemblages and metamorphic reactions. Microstructures and P-T-d-t evolution in metamorphic rocks. High-temperature metamorphism and crustal melting. The geodynamic-geological evolution of the Calabria-Peloritani Orogen from the Late Precambrian to the Late Paleozoic.

1)   Winter J.D. (2013) Principles of igneous and metamorphic petrology. - 2nd ed. Pearson.

2)  Lecture notes and scientific articles made available by the teacher on  Studium

Other texts for consultation:

1)   Philpotts, A.R., Ague, J.J. 2009. Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks. Cambridge UniversityPress.

2)   Vernon R.H. (2004) A practical guide to rock microstructure. (Cambridge University Press).

3)   Vernon, R. H., Clarke, G. L. (2008) Principles of metamorphic petrology. Cambridge University Press.

4)   Best, M. G. 2003. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology,: 2nd ed. Oxford Blackwell Science.

5)   Gill, R. 2010. Igneous Rocks and Processes: A Practical Guide. Wiley-Blackwell.

6)  Wilson M. 1988. Igneous petrogenesis. A global tectonic approach. Unwin Hyman.

Learning assessment will consist in: a) an oral presentation and discussion of a scientific article selected from a compilation made available by the teacher; b) a report illustrating a thin-section or geochemical study carried out by the student on the rocks representing the subject of the selected scientific article.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it. 

The questions will be mainly related to the topic selected by the student.