625-303 Geochemistry & Petrogenesis

Earth sciences 625-224

Solving geological problems requires unravelling what happened and when. 'Petrogenesis' is literally 'the origin of rocks' and in this subject, several essential tools geologists employ to unravel the complexity of earth processes using chemical information preserved in rocks and minerals will be presented. These include mineral equilibria, phase diagrams, and major, trace element and isotope geochemistry. Most of this subject relates to igneous and metamorphic processes, however many of the tools can be applied to a broad range of geological problems (eg. dating the formation of sedimentary rocks and ore deposits).

In addition to learning the principles that underpin these techniques, emphasis is placed on how or when they are best applied. It is expected that by the end of the semester you will be able to explain how specific tools work and demonstrate both when it is appropriate, and how to apply them, to resolve petrogenetic problems.

In this subject you should recognise the importance of integrating the knowledge and skills obtained through your years of study to tackle new and unfamiliar problems. This will require critical thinking and the organisation of materials delivered in lectures, together with the development of problem-solving skills via the laboratory exercises.

A 2-hour written examination (55%), a 2-hour practical examination (25%) and an assignment totalling no more than 2000 words (20%).