AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide basic knowledge on rock-forming processes. Major issues will be: i) origin and classification of magmatic and sedimentary rocks, ii) petrology of magmatic rocks, magmatic crystallization and genesis of primary magmas in the different geodynamic environments. The course also includes the study of rocks in thin sections by polarizing microscope, and field excursions.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and participation in the planned educational activities (lectures and activities in the laboratory and on the field) will allow the student to acquire the general knowledge of Petrography of magmatic and sedimentary rocks, necessary to face studies in the field of geologist profession and scientific research.

Specifically, the student will be able to:

• know, describe and classify the main types of magmatic and sedimentary rocks;

• distinguish and identify the mineral constituents and the structures of magmatic and sedimentary rocks, using both theoretical skills and practical and methodological skills acquired during laboratory activities;

• know how to connect the composition and structure of magmatic and sedimentary rocks to specific geological environments and endogenous and exogenous processes, to define the processes of formation and evolution;

• produce technical reports for the correct description of macroscopic and microscopic scale rock samples.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of lectures, theoretical and practical exercises on the field and in the laboratory. As learning tests for the application of the acquired knowledge are planned, attendance at lectures and laboratory exercises is strongly recommended.

Lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations.

The laboratory exercises are aimed at the practical application of the theoretical knowledge acquired during the lectures. In particular, the following will be developed:

• group exercises for the macroscopic recognition of sedimentary and magmatic rocks using samples from the DISTAV rock collection;

• exercises with individual placement in the optical microscope in polarized light transmitted for the description and classification of the rocks based on their mineralogical composition and structure, using thin sections of DISTAV collection;

• exercises on the field for observation and understanding of sedimentary and magmatic rock outcrops.

The laboratory exercises are held in classrooms equipped with microscopes and specific lighting of the DISTAV.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The program includes the following topics:

• Overview of petrogenetic processes in relation to geodynamic environments and Plate Tectonics;

• Compositional and textural classification of magmatic rocks:

• Types of magmatic crystallization. Two-component systems (Ab-An; Fo-Fa; Di-An).

• Two-component systems with partial solid immiscibility: alkaline Feldspar system (Or-Ab);

• Binary systems with intermediate compound. Congruent and incongruent fusion. (Ne-Qz-Ab; Fo-Qz-En);

• Eutectic ternary systems. Peritectic ternary systems: the An-Fo-Qz system and the Fo-Di-Qz system;

• Overview of the genesis processes of basic magmas. Partial melting of the mantle;

• The chemical classification of basalts. The basalt tetrahedron;

• Evolution of basic magmas: magmatic series;

• Magmatic series and geodynamic environments;

• The granitic system. Crustal anataxis;

• Silicoclastic and carbonate sedimentary rocks;

• Genesis of dolomites and evaporites.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All slides used during the lessons and other educational material will be available on AulaWeb at the end of each cycle of lessons / laboratory exercises.

The books below are suggested as a supporting text.The recommended texts are available and can be consulted at the M.F.N.

L. Morbidelli 2010 The rocks and their constituents, Bompiani Ed. 470 p. ISBN 8888620818

J.D.Winter - Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Prentice Hall ISBN-13: 978-0-321-68132-4

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ELISABETTA RAMPONE (President)

MARCO SCAMBELLURI (President)

LAURA GAGGERO

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lessons will starts since end of February 2020.

Please consult the following link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

PETROGRAPHY MOD 1

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is sinlge and integrated for the two modules. For details on the modes, see the main tab.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam is single and integrated for the two modules. For details on the assessment methods, see the main sheet.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Regular attendance at lectures and related laboratory exercises is strongly recommended.