GEOLOGY 3016 - Igneous and Metamorphic Geology III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

This course is concerned with aspects of the long-term thermal and material history of the earth's lithosphere and mantle. The course has as its foundation the basic skills learnt at level II in Igneous and Metamorphic Geology II. Included amongst the skills learnt in this course are understanding of the governing theory describing high temperature element partitioning between fluids and melts, the thermodynamic theory that governs and predicts sub-solidus mineral growth and reaction and the principles of natural radioactive decay and the application of isotopes to geochronology. Metamorphic Geology: This examines the nature and change of sub-solidus mineral assemblages and textures in rocks. This information provides a sound basis with which to examine orogenic processes. Igneous Geology: This section examines the physical controls on the generation and differentiation of silicate melts within the earth and the contribution these processes have made to the composition of the crust and mantle through time. Part of this section of the course is devoted to case studies of magma generation in key tectonic settings on the current earth and the extrapolation of this knowledge back through time.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GEOLOGY 3016
    Course Igneous and Metamorphic Geology III
    Coordinating Unit School of Earth and Environmental Sci(Inactive)
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 7 hours per week
    Prerequisites GEOLOGY 2502 or GEOLOGY 2006 or GEOLOGY 2000
    Incompatible GEOLOGY 3004
    Assessment Practical report, exam, practical test
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor John Foden

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    At completion of this course the successful students should be able to:
    1 Identify and interpret intrusive, volcanic, sedimentary, and metamorphic textures in rocks;
    2 Understand different geochronological techniques and their applications and igenous and metamorphic processes;
    3 Explain how absolute pressure-temperature information is extracted from rock using thermodynamic expressions;
    4 Understand the key factors that govern the diversity of igneous rock compositions;
    5 Understand how the occurrence and character of different igneous and metamorphic rock suites is governed by and reflects the Earth's tectonic processes;
    6 Describe current models for the lithosphere and asthenosphere;
    7 Interrogate and interpret the geological literature on igneous and metamorphic geology;
    8 Write clear and concise geological reports on the tectonic history of an area;
    9 Understand the methodology of scientific research in the field of igneous and metamorphic geology;
    10 Work in a team to produce a presentation about a current tectonics research topic.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-10
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 8,9,10
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 8
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 10
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 2,3
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-10
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 8
  • Learning Resources
    Recommended Resources
    WINTER, J.D. (2008) Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology (2nd edition). Prentice Hall, pp. 766. ISBN 0-321-59257-3.
    SPEAR, F.S. (1993) Metamorphic phase equilibria and pressure-temperature-time paths. MONOGRAPH. Mineralogical Society of America, Washington, D.C., pp. 799. ISBN 0-939950-34-0.
    BARKER, A. J. (1998) Introduction to metamorphic textures and microstructures (Second Edition). Stanley Thornes (Publishers) Ltd., pp. 264. ISBN 0-7487-3985-8.
    YARDLEY, B.W.D., MACKENZIE, W.S. & GUILFORD, C. (1990) Atlas of metamorphic rocks and their textures. Longman Scientific and Technical, Harlow, Essex, pp. 120. ISBN 0-582-30166-1
    YARDLEY, B.W.D. (1989) An Introduction to Metamorphic Petrology. Addison Wesley Longman, Edinburgh Gate, Harlow, Essex, pp. 248. ISBN 0-582-30096-7.
    VERNON, R. H., CLARKE, G.L. (2008) Principles of metamorphic petrology. Cambridge University Press, pp. 446. ISBN 978-0-521-87178-5.
    MCBIRNEY, A., 1993: Igneous petrology 2nd Edition. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
    FAURE, G., 1986. Principles of isotope geology, 2nd edition, Wiley and Sons.
    ROLLINSON., H. 1993. Using geochemical data: evaluation, presentation, interpretation. Longman.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course consists of:
    • 2 x 1-hour lectures/week
    • 1 x 5-hour practical class per week
    Due to high enrolment numbers there are repeat practical classes per week
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    A student enrolled in a 3 unit course, such as this, should expect to spend, on average 12 hours per week on the studies required. This includes both the formal contact time required to the course (e.g., lectures and practicals), as well as non-contact time (e.g., reading and revision)
    Learning Activities Summary
    Schedule
    Lecture Practical
    Week 1
    Review of Metm II
    Introduction to petrography 

    Refresher + (re)introduction to metamorphic minerals and mineral reactions in metapelitic & metabasic rocks
    Week 2 Petrography Part 3
    Introduction to thermobarometry 
    Petrology of metapelitic and metabasic rocks with in-class feedback
    Week 3
    Introduction to thermobarometry 
    Mineral zoning, diffusion and geo-speedometry 
    Petrology of metapelitic and metabasic rocks with in-class feedback
    Week 4 Mineral zoning, diffusion and geo-speedometry 
    Heat flow, heat sources in the continental crust and subduction metamorphism 
    Petrology of metapelitic and metabasic rocks with in-class feedback
    Week 5
    Pressure temperature-time paths 
    Role of fluids during metamorphism 
    Practical exam on Petrography
    Week 6
    Mineralisation and metamorphism – the sulfur connection
    Constraining absolute rates in metamorphic systems (geochronology) 
    Thermobarometry: conventional thermobarometry + using pseudosections to interpret pressure-temperature evolution of rocks looked at in pracs in weeks 2 to 4;
    Week 7 Igneous Rocks: their structures and textures
    The chemistry, mineralogy and classification of igneous rocks
    The phase rule: phase diagrams and igneous processes Magma petrogenesis, movement and modification: Layered mafic intrusions
    Basalt genesis and its mantle source


    Modelling trace elements and isotope evolution
    Week 8 The oceanic crust and lithosphere: rifting and decompressional melting
    Hot spots and plumes
    Geochronology 
    Week 9    Controls on elemental substitution in mineral structures
    Distribution coefficients and the control and modelling of the partitioning of trace elements
    Petrology of granitic rocks
    Week  10                             The systematics of radiogenic isotopes: The Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Pb and K-Ar systems
    The earth’s reservoirs and the history of their isotopic signatures
    Field trip to Adelaide Fold Belt (TBC on MyUni)
    Week 11 The dating of rocks using radiogenic isotopes: Isochrons, accessory minerals and the U-Pb scheme.
    The role of volatiles including H2O in magma generation and differentiation: Subduction-related magmatism
    No Practical
    Week 12 The geochemistry subduction-related magmas: the identification of multiple sources
    Volcanology: explosive volcanism, pyroclastic rocks and the impact of volatiles on ascending magmas.
    No Practical
    Week 13

    Melting of continental crustal rocks
    Granite genesis
    Alkaline magmas, diamonds, kimberlites and carbonatites
    No Practical 
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Percentage of total assessment
    Hurdle
    Yes/No
    Learning Outcome Due Date
    In-class petrography exercises (metamorphic) Formative

    4%

    No 1,2,3,9,10 Weeks 1-6
    Practical class exam (metamorphic) Summative 13% No 1,3,8 Week 5
    In-class petrology and petography excercises (igneous) Summative
    Formative
    17% No 1,2,3,4,9,10 Weeks 7-12
    Online Quizzes Summative
    Formative
    15% No 2,3,4,5,9 Weekly
    Mid Year Theory Exam Summative 51% No 2-9 Mid year exam period
    Assessment Detail

    In class petrography exercises (4%)
    Held in class

    In class Metamorphic Practical Exam (13%)

    This exam is held in the normal practical class (4 hours duration) in week 5 after the metamorphic practical component of the course. It covers the content in the metamorphic practicals.

    In-class petrology and petrography exercises (17%)
    The Igneous component of the practical course is examined by assessment of in-class petrology and petrography exercises.

    On-line Quizzes (15%)
    These cover both the igneous and metamporhic sections

    Mid-Year Theory Exam  (51%)
    A three hour paper in the mid year exam period. Divided into two sections (Igneous and Metamorphic) of equal mark division (25.5% each). Examines all course content.

    Submission
    If an extension is not applied for, or not granted then a penalty for late submission will apply. A penalty of 10% of the value of the assignment for each calendar day that is late (i.e. weekends count as 2 days), up to a maximum of 50% of the available marks will be applied. This means that an assignment that is 5 days or more late without an approved extension can only receive a maximum of 50% of the mark
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

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    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

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  • Policies & Guidelines
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