OVERVIEW

The course provides an introduction to the thermodynamic equilibria that govern rock-forming processes, along with the related graphical representation methods. It introduces the principles of rock classification and identification, and analyzes, from a chemical and physical perspective, the fundamental concepts underlying endogenous and exogenous processes that control the formation and transformation of rock materials at the lithospheric scale.

AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides a description of the Earth's interior, offering knowledge on the petrogenesis of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Once students have acquired the tools to apply genetic criteria in distinguishing the three main rock groups, the program introduces classification diagrams to assign the correct nomenclature to rocks.

Classroom exercises using rock collection samples are designed to demonstrate, clarify, and apply the analytical procedure for rock identification. The integration of these steps leads to the correct naming of rocks using scientifically validated classification diagrams.

A further specific learning objective within the field of natural sciences is to understand the driving forces behind lithospheric dynamics and the relationship between rock textures and their evolution within the endogenic and/or exogenic cycle. Students should be able to discuss the relevance of a rock to specific petrogenetic environments, based on its texture, mineralogical composition, and, where possible, chemical composition.

Finally, a key learning goal of the course is to equip students with the tools necessary to correctly recognize, interpret, and classify rocks—essential skills for successfully following third-year Earth Science courses, which are closely related and build upon this foundational knowledge.

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching Methods

Frontal Lectures
Lectures are held in the classroom and delivered using PowerPoint presentations and the consultation of selected web resources.

Practical Exercises
Practical sessions are based on demonstration analyses and one-to-one discussions of rock specimens from the DISTAV teaching collection. When needed, a 3D projector is used to support the analysis.

Indoor Laboratory Activities
These sessions take place in classrooms equipped with microscopes and dedicated lighting. Students are required to bring a 10x hand lens and a steel point to perform the so-called scratch test (relative microhardness evaluation).

Field Excursions
Field trips will be organized in geologically significant areas of Liguria (e.g., Apennine and Alpine ophiolites) to apply rock classification criteria covered in lectures and to learn how to record geolithological data on geological maps.

Accessibility
Students with a valid certification of physical or learning disabilities filed with the University, who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other academic concerns, are encouraged to contact both the course instructor and Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability advisor.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Course Outline

Introduction

• Overview of Earth's composition and structure

• Fundamentals of global tectonics

• Endogenic and exogenic dynamics

Petrogenetic Processes
a) Magmatic Processes: definition and properties of magma; melt generation; melt dynamics within the crust; solidification of melts; magmatic crystallization
b) Sedimentary Processes: weathering, erosion, transport, precipitation, and diagenesis
c) Metamorphic Processes: recrystallization; thermodynamic factors and limits of metamorphism

Igneous Rocks

• Introduction to the petrology of magmatic processes: silicate melts and magma—chemical and physical properties

• Melt genesis and solidification: crystallization of silicate melts

• Binary phase diagrams and their application to natural systems

• Magma evolution: fractional crystallization, differentiation trends, miscibility and immiscibility, assimilation

• Solidification environments; nucleation and growth rates

• Principles of igneous rock classification

• Magmatic series and variation diagrams

• Relationship between magmatic series and geodynamic settings

Sedimentary Rocks

• Classification based on depositional processes and compositional features

• Environmental significance and sedimentary sequences

• Introduction to pedology

Metamorphic Rocks

• Controlling factors of metamorphism: thermodynamic and kinetic controls, role of time

• Types of metamorphism and their crustal settings

• Metamorphic recrystallization and reaction kinetics

• Reversibility and chemographic representation of reactions

• Paragenetic assemblages and their stability fields

• Recrystallization and deformation; textures of metamorphic rocks

• Representation of metamorphic reactions in P–T diagrams

• Metamorphic facies, geothermal gradients, and facies series

• Metamorphism and geotectonic settings

Practical Sessions on Igneous Rocks

• Rock identification methods: structure, mineralogical and chemical composition

• Minerals in igneous rocks: structural and chemical properties; macroscopic and microscopic recognition; equilibrium relationships with melts

• Intrusive, extrusive, and subvolcanic rocks: structures and textures

• Classification of igneous rocks

Practical Sessions on Metamorphic Rocks

• Minerals in metamorphic rocks: structural and chemical properties

• Macroscopic and microscopic identification

• Structures and textures of metamorphic rocks

Practical Sessions on Sedimentary Rocks

• Macroscopic recognition of textural and mineralogical features

• Classification methods

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Klein & Philpots - Mineralogia e petrografia. Zanichelli Editore

Morbidelli L. – Le rocce e I loro costituenti. Bardi Editore

Winter J.D. - An introduction to igneous and metamorphic petrology - Prentice Hall

Available (by download from Aula WEB) the Power Point slides used during lessons.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

From March 1, 2021. Consult the site of the study course for updates.

Class schedule

PETROGRAPHY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The attending student may take the exam through three written tests and three rock identification assessments during the semester. At the end of the lectures, the final oral interview to assign the grade is based on a summary of any deficiencies found and possible further discussions. The final grade is based on the three written tests, but it is not necessarily their arithmetic average.

Alternatively, the student may register for the official exam sessions held throughout the year. The exam consists of:
i) classification of a rock sample provided during the exam,
ii) three questions on igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic processes, and
iii) one question related to fieldwork exercises.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The three written tests during the semester are evaluated based on logical consistency, appropriate use of technical-scientific language, and the ability to apply what has been learned in class.

The final oral interview at the end of the course aims to assess whether the student's preparation has become more solid compared to previous weeks, and whether the student has critically addressed and filled any knowledge gaps identified in the written tests.

The traditional exam session evaluates, through questions ranging from simple to complex, the depth and accuracy of the student's knowledge (factual content), the ability to organize this knowledge into a rational framework, the ability to draw on prerequisite knowledge from Inorganic Chemistry and Mineralogy, and the ability to interrelate connected topics.

A passing grade corresponds to the ability to classify a rock (igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic) using proper nomenclature criteria, providing justification for their application.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Regular attendance is strongly recommended, especially for field exercises. Students are required to have appropriate clothing for excursions (hiking boots) and a hand lens.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.