Endogenous Petrology

In the first part of this course unit, we will examine the origin and evolution of magmas from a petrological perspective (microscopic observations of rocks and minerals, phase equilibrium) and a geochemical perspective (composition of major and trace elements, as well as isotopic composition, of minerals and rocks) in various geodynamic contexts: oceanic ridges, hotspots, and subduction zones.

In the second part of this course unit, we will introduce the main variables and the various geodynamic contexts of metamorphism. You will learn to identify mineral reactions and interpret them using the geometric rules of chemography. We will discuss the concept of metastability and the influence of rock chemistry on their metamorphic evolution.

Hourly volumes:

CM: 9

TP: 18

Be able to identify the structures and textures of igneous and metamorphic rocks under a microscope and understand the conditions under which they formed in various geodynamic contexts.

Basics of mineralogy and crystallography: the definition of a mineral, what it is composed of, the properties used to identify it, and the identification of common minerals (macroscopic and microscopic examination).

Knowledge of geochemistry: concepts of incompatible and compatible elements, partition coefficient, stable and radioactive isotopes, partial fusion and fractional crystallization equations.

Recommended prerequisites:

The content of the course units “Earth and Its Resources” (first year) and “Rocks and Minerals” and “Geochemistry” (second year) in the Earth-Water-Environment program provides an ideal foundation for this course unit.

Assessment: Continuous, comprehensive assessment . Students will be evaluated throughout the semester based on three assessments designed to evaluate the practical and theoretical knowledge covered in lectures and lab sessions.

• Brief description of the concepts covered in fourth grade:

CM1, 1.5 hours: Textures of igneous and metamorphic rocks.

5th Grade, 1.5 hours: The formation of igneous rocks in the context of oceanic ridges and hotspots.

CM3 1.5 h: - The formation of igneous rocks in subduction and collision zones.

CM4 1.5 h: Metamorphism and Geodynamics: Recent Mountain Ranges

CM5 1.5h: Metamorphism and Geodynamics: Ancient Mountain Ranges

CM6 1.5h: Texture of Metamorphic Rocks and an Introduction to the Chemical Representation of Metamorphic Reactions

• Brief descriptions of the lab sessions and the number of hours associated with each session

Lab 1: Optical Microscopy—Identification of Minerals Using Polarized/Analyzed Light.

Lab 2: Optical Microscopy—Identification of Minerals Using Polarized/Analyzed Light.

TP3: Optical microscopy observations of igneous rocks in the context of oceanic ridges and hot spots.

TP4: Optical Microscopy Observations of Magmatic Rocks in Subduction and Collision Zones

Lab 5: Optical Microscopy Observations of Metamorphic Rocks

TP6: Thin-section observations reflecting the Barrovian and Abukuma hot metamorphic gradients (MP/HT and LP/HT)

Competencies targeted by the EU:

• Be able to identify, at the microscopic level, the main minerals in igneous and metamorphic rocks, as well as the texture and structure of rocks, and be able to deduce their conditions of formation.
• Be able to relate the mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry of rocks and discuss their genesis within their geodynamic context.
• Be able to work independently, describe, write, and summarize.