AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching provides basic knowledge on magmatic processes. Major topics are: i) classification and origin of magmatic rocks, ii) petrology of magmatic rocks, magmatic differentiation and genesis of primary magmas in 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 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 rocks;

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

• know how to connect the composition and structure of magmatic 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. For the first semester, the lessons will be carried out if possible in the presence, however guaranteeing the fruition of lessons even remotely, through video recording, synchronous or asynchronous.

The laboratory exercises will be possibly organized in the presence, eventually with multiple shifts.

All face to face activities will be carried out in compliance with the capacity limits of the classrooms and laboratories and the distance provided for by current legislation following the emergency COVID19.

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.

Please refer to the specific AulaWeb application of this course for any updates due to changes in the health and epidemiological situation.

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.

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)

CARLOTTA FERRANDO

MARCO SCAMBELLURI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lessons of the first semester will start from September 21 2020, and will be completed by January 22, 2021. 
Lessons of the second semester will start from February 15, 2021 and will be completed by June 11, 2021. 
Please consult the following link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

PETROGRAPHY MOD 1

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

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

Please refer to the specific AulaWeb application of this course for any updates due to changes in the health and epidemiological situation.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

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

Please refer to the specific AulaWeb application of this course for any updates due to changes in the health and epidemiological situation.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

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