Metamorphic Geology

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/AM_450176

Course Objective

Gain a sufficient understanding of the theoretical basis of metamorphism (i.e., chemical thermodynamics) for the calculation of phase equilibria in open and closed systems for common non-metamorphic protoliths and learn the principles of dating metamorphic processes. This approach will be the basis for critically assessing PTt paths and hence deriving the implications for geodynamic processes preserved in metamorphic rocks. Learning the basics of phase equilibrium modelling using TheriakDomino and PHREEQC. Expand skills in optical microscopy as applied to metamorphic rocks.

Course Content

Metamorphic phase equilibria, their variance and calculation; theoretical (chemographic) analysis of assemblages and reactions; element distribution between minerals; recognition of stable assemblages and of reactions in rocks. Role of fluid phases. Metamorphism of pelitic sediments, carbonate rocks and mafic (igneous) rocks. Geothermobarometry and PT-paths. Geochronology of metamorphic processes, including diffusion mechanisms and the concept of closure temperature. Critical assessment of PTt
- data and relationships between PTt
- paths and geodynamic processes.

Teaching Methods

Lectures with associated class
- and homework. Three 15
- to 30-minute written tests to help keep track of your progress. Practicals: microscopy, chemographic analysis, calculation of phase equilibria, geothermobarometric calculations, online assignment closure temperature. Individual poster presentation with an accompanying 'elevator pitch' on a selected subject. Contact hours: 12 half-day classes made up of lectures and practical exercises; one half day-class of student presentations and one written examination (2.5 hours).

Method of Assessment

The practical assignments together make up 35% of the final mark. Thethree written tests together count for 5% of the final mark. The posterand its presentation each make up 12.5% of the final mark whilst theremaining 35% is for the written examination. To pass the course, allassignments have to be completed and a minimal mark of 5.5 has to beachieved for the written exam.

Literature

Textbook (provisionally): Winter (2010) An introduction to igneous andmetamorphic petrology, 2nd ed., Prentice Hall. We may consider changingthe text we use for this course.Some chapters from Bucher & Grapes (2011) Petrogenesis of metamorphic rocks, 8th ed., Springer, which can be downloaded under the VU library licence. Papers to be used as background reading for lectures will be listed on the Canvas-site at the start of the course. The list of papers that serve as topics for the presentations is made available in the first week of the course.

Target Audience

First year MSc Earth Sciences students in the Geology & Geochemistry specialisation; second year students are very welcome to take this course as well. Together with Magmatic Processes this course forms a comprehensive preparation for research and master thesis projects in the hard rock geology / petrology / geochemistry subdisciplines.

Additional Information

This course fits well within the lithosphere orientation of Geology & Geochemistry, together with courses like Magmatic Processes, Sustainable Mineral Resources, Advanced Inorganic Geochemistry and Advanced Geochronology. It builds on Mantle Properties and Orogenesis, as well as courses in petrology, geochemistry and tectonics at the BSc level.

Explanation Canvas

Canvas is used for communication, to share course materials and assignments.