Earth Materials

The objective of this course is to introduce the concepts and tools needed to observe and describe magmatic and metamorphic minerals and rocks and to understand their origin. The course will begin with an introduction to the concepts of mineralogy (crystallography, crystallochemistry) and the tools required to identify the minerals that make up magmatic and metamorphic rocks. You will then study the structure and nature of the mantle, as well as the processes involved from magma formation through to the eruption of igneous rocks: partial melting, crystallization, crustal assimilation, and magmatic mixing. You will learn to distinguish between different magmatic series based on their chemical compositions and physical properties. The link between eruptive processes, volcanic hazards, and risks will also be addressed. In the third part, we will introduce the main variables (pressure, temperature, time) and the various geodynamic contexts of metamorphism. We will examine the various metamorphic facies, as well as the structures and textures of metamorphic rocks, and you will learn to recognize mineral reactions and interpret them in terms of metamorphic evolution.

A combined study of igneous and metamorphic rocks will provide the foundation for understanding issues related to the geodynamics of the Earth’s interior, geochemical cycles, mineral resources, and more…

- Be familiar with the tools used to describe minerals, igneous rocks, and metamorphic rocks (chemistry, mineralogy, texture, etc.).

- Be able to identify minerals, igneous rocks, and metamorphic rocks through macroscopic and microscopic observation.

- Link an igneous or metamorphic rock to its formation process and be able to interpret the associated geodynamic context.

- Be able to work independently, describe, write, and summarize.