OVERVIEW

Advanced knowledge is provided on petrological processes that trace the chemical and tectonic evolution of the lithosphere-asthenosphere system at convergent plate margins and lead to the formation of economically valuable geomaterial reserves.
The course trains students in a multidisciplinary approach, integrating information from petrology and the quantitative analysis of phase relationships between minerals with field studies and geophysical models. A field excursion is planned to examine specific case studies discussed during the course.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides knowledge and an interdisciplinary methodological approach on the evolution of convergent margins: 1) General aspects of active and fossil convergent margins; 2) Ophiolites as evolutionary markers of the oceanic lithosphere; 3) Subduction-zone metamorphism, characterization of rocks and fluids, tracers of fluid/rock interaction; 4) Rheological and chemical implications of fluid release 5) Thermodynamic modeling of metamorphic reactions; 6) the Alps as natural case study. A field excursion in the Western Alps is planned.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide the petrological and chemical tools necessary for understanding and quantitatively modeling tectonic and metamorphic processes, including the thermodynamic quantification of mineral reaction processes (e.g., thermobarometry, dehydration reactions, and the genesis of metamorphic fluids, fluid–rock interactions).

Specifically, students will be able to:

• Understand the behavior of trace elements during fundamental petrogenetic processes;

• Use analytical methods for modeling metamorphic processes;

• Understand the relationships between metamorphism and fluid genesis in various geodynamic environments;

• Recognize microstructural and chemical tracers of melt/ fluid–rock interaction processes, and understand their importance for elemental transport and the genesis of georesources in lithospheric and crustal environments;

• Quantify petrogenetic evolution processes through thermodynamic modeling;

• Independently deepen specific topics covered in the lectures and deliver an oral presentation, preferably in English, on the selected topic during the final assessment.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of petrology, geology, mineralogy, and geophysics is required to effectively engage with the course content.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of lectures, theoretical and practical laboratory exercises, and fieldwork.

• Classroom lectures are delivered through multimedia presentations.

• Laboratory exercises focus on the development of thermodynamic models for the quantification of metamorphic processes.

• Field exercises aim to deepen the analysis of natural examples of rock associations that reflect the petrogenetic processes presented and discussed during the lectures.

For any updates related to changes in the health and epidemiological situation, please refer to the specific AulaWeb instance for the course.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course syllabus includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics:

• The use of trace elements in petrogenetic processes;

• Lithological and evolutionary characteristics of current and fossil ocean basins;

• Lithological and evolutionary characteristics of mountain chains, with a focus on the Alpine chain;

• Metamorphism as a tracer of the dynamics of convergent margins;

• Transport and release of fluids and elements in crustal and mantle environments;

• Fluid migration in porous media and fractures in crustal and mantle environments;

• Fluid–rock interaction processes;

• Chemical and physical properties of metamorphic minerals and thermodynamic modeling of metamorphic processes.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

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

The following books are recommended as support texts, but students may also use other university-level textbooks. The recommended texts are available and can be consulted at the Library of the School of M.F.N. Sciences.

• Treatise on Geochemistry, H.D. Holland and K.K. Turekian (Eds), Elsevier, with particular reference to the following volumes:

  • Volume 3: The Mantle and the Core (R.W. Carlson ed.)

  • Volume 4: The Crust (R. Rudnick ed.)

• A. Philpotts, J.J. Ague, Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Cambridge University Press

• F.S. Spear, Metamorphic Phase Equilibria and Pressure-Temperature-Time Paths

During the course, scientific publications related to specific aspects of the syllabus will also be provided.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Consult the detailed schedule at the following link:  https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

CONVERGENT MARGIN DYNAMICS

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a discussion of the topics covered during the course and an oral presentation, preferably in English, of a brief report in PowerPoint format on a topic selected by the student, within the scope of the various subjects addressed during the theoretical lectures.

For preparing the report, students can use the teaching materials provided during the lectures, possibly supplemented by specific scientific publications on the topic.

There are 2 exam sessions in the winter period (January–February) and 3 exam sessions in the summer period (June, July, September).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The progressive acquisition of knowledge by students will be monitored through (i) classroom discussions during the lectures and (ii) exercises that involve the development and interpretation of thermodynamic calculations using dedicated software.