Magmatic Processes

Course

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/AM_450189

Course Objective

The main aim of the course is to provide an overview of the geochemical structure and evolution of the Earth’s interior. After this course you are able to (1) understand the interaction between physical and chemical processes in the Earth’s interior,(2) select geochemical tools to solve problems regarding melting and chemical evolution of Earth’s interior, (3) understand why and how trace elements are fractionated between mantle minerals and melt,(4) describe how different mantle components evolved isotopically over time. An emphasis will be placed on improving data handling using Excel, scientific writing, oral presentation, and critical assessment.

Course Content

Distribution of major and trace elements between solid and liquid phases; geochemical modeling of magmatic differentiation processes. Radiogenic and stable isotopes as tracers of magmatic processes: geochemical and temporal evolution of crust and mantle. The physics of magmatic processes: source, transport, emplacement/eruption. Characteristics of the principal geodynamic environments and their effects on magmatic processes.

Teaching Methods

Lectures with associated class and home work exercises; preparation of a student paper and its oral presentation, including critical interaction between staff and students. The course counts for 6 ECTS = 160 SBU which are divided between the different components of this course in the following way (1) 12
- 3 hour lectures = 108 SBU, Presentation and essay = 28 SBU, Homework exercises = 24 SBU, Total 160 SBU = 6 ECTS It is vital that homework exercises are undertaken as these will be the basis of some exam questions and provide the experience to understand quantitative aspects of the course.

Method of Assessment

The mark you obtain for this course consists of the followingcomponents:Homework exercises (20%), Paper and its presentation (40%), Written exam (40%)

Literature

Selected specialist literature papers include Blundy J, Wood B (1994) Nature 372, 452-454. Blundy J, Wood B (2003) Earth and Planetary Science Letters 210, 383
- 397. A full list of literature required for the preparation of essays and presentation will be provided at the start of the course.

Target Audience

First year MSc students in Earth Sciences

Entry Requirements

The Mantle Properties course (code AM_450156) is mandatory for the Magmatic Processes course.

Recommended background knowledge

The BSc Earth Science course "Inleiding in de Anorganische Geochemie" (AB_450336) is not required, but contains a broad overview of many of the basic isotopic systems which will be discussed in the Magmatic Processes course. If you are not familiar with the contents of the BSc course "Inleiding in de Anorganische geochemie", then you should read the handouts provided on Canvas.
Academic year1/09/2431/08/25
Course level6.00 EC

Language of Tuition

  • English

Study type

  • Master