ESC2022

Origin and evolution of the Earth's crust

(SCI)

Dr Ian Cartwright

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

Synopsis: Crystallography, optics and mineralogy. Volcanology and volcanic rocks. Eruption styles of volcanoes. Chemistry of volcanic rocks. 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. Relationship of metamorphism to tectonics. Timescales of tectonism.

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