AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides basic knowledge on diagenetic and metamorphic processes. Major topics are: i) diagenesis of sandstones and pelitess; ii) main metamorphic factors and environments; iii) classification, structures and microstructures of metamorphic rocks; iv) phase diagrams and metamorphism of mafic, ultramafic and pelitic rocks. The course also includes the study of rocks in thin sections by polarizing microscope, and field excursions.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Tha attendance and participation in the educational activities (lectures, laboratory and filed work) allow the student to acquire the general knowledge of Petrography of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, necessary to face studies professional as well as scientific research activities in the field of Earth Sciences. Specifically, the student will be able to:

- Know, describe and classify the main types of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks;
- distinguish and identify the rock-forming minerals and the structures of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, using theoretical and practical and methodological skills acquired during laboratory activities;
- relate the composition and structure of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks to specific geological environments and to endogenous and exogenous processes of rock formation and evolution;
- produce technical reports for the correct description of macroscopic and microscopic scale rock samples.

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching consists of lectures, theoretical and practical exercises in the laboratory and in the field. As learning tests are planned to test the knowledge acquired by students, the attendance to lectures, laboratory and field exercises is strongly recommended.

Classroom lectures 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 activities are developed:

- Group exercises aimed at the macroscopic recognition of sedimentary and metamorphic rock samples from the DISTAV educational rock collection;
- Individual exercises at the optical microscope  in polarized transmitted light, to describe and classify rocks based on their mineralogical composition and structure, using thin sections of the educational collection of the DISTAV;
- Field work for observing and understanding outcrops of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

The laboratory exercises are held in classrooms equipped with optical 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 presentation and discussion of the following topics:

- Basic knowledge of the diagenetic processes of sediment compaction and lithification and the mineralogical changes during increase in pressure and temperature in sedimentary environments;
- The metamorphic process and the geological implications at various scales.
- The analysis of structures and microstructures of metamorphic rocks, to define the stability of mineralogical paragenesis as a function of pressure, temperature, rock composition, deformation intensity and interaction with fluid phases;
- Metamorphic facies and the representation of paragenetic mineral associations as a function of pressure, temperature and rock composition;
- Metamorphic transformations of the main rock groups: ultramafic, mafic and pelitic
- Study of macroscopic and thin section of metamorphic rock samples under the optical polarizing microscope

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

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

The books below are suggested as a supporting text, but students can still use other university level texts. The recommended texts are available and can be consulted at the M.F.N.

K. Bucher, M. Frey. Petrogenesis of metamorphic rocks, ÂÂ Springer Verlag, 244 p dal 1993 sono disponibili 8 edizionic
L. Morbidelli 2010 Le rocce e i loro costituenti, Bompiani Ed. 470 p. ISBN 8888620818

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. 
Refer to the detailed timetable below link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

PETROGRAPHY MOD 2

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

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

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Constant and regular attendance at lectures and related laboratory exercises is strongly recommended.