ESC2022

Origin and evolution of the Earth's crust

(SCI)

Dr David Lambert

6 points + Three 1-hour lectures and one 3-hour practical per week and 1-day field trip + Second semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: ESC1011 and/or ESC1022 or permission + Prohibition: ESC2102

Synopsis: Crystallography, optics and mineralogy. External form of crystals; crystal systems; stereographic projection in crystallography; packing of atoms and ions in crystals; structural controls on the chemistry of minerals. Transmission of light by crystals. Structure and chemical compositions of common mineral groups; properties of minerals. Igneous and metamorphic petrology. Chemistry of common igneous rock groups and their parental magmas. Behaviour of major and trace elements during crystallisation of natural magmas and simple analogues. Development of characteristic mineral assemblages and textures during igneous crystallisation. Causes of metamorphism.

Assessment: Two 2-hour examinations: 65% + Practical work/fieldwork: 35%