GEOL0040 Melting and Volcanism

Coordinator: Dr. Adrian Jones

Module details

Title	Melting and Volcanism
UG Code	GEOL0040
Coordinator	Dr. Adrian Jones
Other Contributors
Term	2
Credit	15 credits
Written Exam	70%
Coursework	30%
Pre-Requisites	GEOL0011
Maths & Stats Content and Requirement
Total Number of Hours of Student Work	188 hours
Hours of Lectures/Seminars	20 hours
Hours of Practicals/Problem Classes	20 hours
Hours of Tutorials	0
Days of Fieldwork	0
Other	None

Content

Local and regional geochemical patterns and anomalies will be compared with global data to understand the evidence for crustal lithospheric and asthenospheric sources of magma, including plumes, subduction, impact volcanism and fundamental Earth heterogeneities. Advanced techniques in quantitative mineralogy and the interpretation of geochemical, mineralogical and petrological data will be introduced, including radiogenic isotopes, trace-element behaviour and melting, mixing, metasomatic and crystallisation models. Rifting, hotspots, large intrusions, caldera formation and high-volume flood lavas will be contrasted with rare low-volume magmas. Familiarization with the corresponding variations in terrestrial volcanic eruption styles throughout the course will be complemented by practical introduction to volcanic hazard assessment and comparative planetary geology.

AIMS

To provide an understanding of the origins and emplacement mechanisms of intrusive and extrusive continental magmas, and to recognize textures and mineral assemblages characteristic of specific processes.

OUTCOMES

Knowledge of: Melting and volcanism on Earth and terrestrial planets.