Earth Sciences

AIMS

The aim of this course is to give a thorough grounding in the study of metamorphic rocks in theory and in practice; including the processes responsible for their formation. There will be extensive opportunities for students to familiarise themselves with a range of metamorphic rocks and minerals in hand specimen and thin section.

OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, students should have gained
a) a basic appreciation of the nature of metamorphism including: metamorphic reactions responsible for the mineralogical changes;  graphical representation of the resultant assemblages;  changes in texture and some of their causes;  different ways of estimating metamorphic temperature and pressure    
b)  an understanding of the nature of metamorphic rocks derived from various initial compositions, and formed under a range of P - T conditions (facies, zones)
c)  an appreciation of the relationship of regional metamorphism to plate tectonic setting.   
d)  the ability to identify a range of minerals and  rock textures in hand specimen and thin section. The student should be able to interpret metamorphic rocks in thin section in terms of their history; be able to suggest the composition of the protolith;  place them in the correct facies, and be aware of the possible environments in which they could have formed.

CONTENT

Topics will include field description and classification of metamorphic rocks; metamorphic reactions; estimations of pressure and temperature of environment; regional metamorphism of pelitic, basic and calcareous rocks in different facies; contact metamorphism; dynamic metamorphism; relationship of regionally metamorphosed rocks to plate tectonic setting.
Practical aspects of the description, classification and interpretation of  metamorphic  rocks and their constituent minerals in hand specimen and thin section. Optical mineralogy techniques, introduced in Year 1, will be developed.