Unit information: Advanced Petrology in 2012/13

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Unit name Advanced Petrology
Unit code EASC30043
Credit points 10
Level of study H/6
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2C (weeks 13 - 18)
Unit director Professor. Kohn
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

Successful completion of years 1 and 2 of Geology degree programme curriculum
Co-requisites

n/a
School/department School of Earth Sciences
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

This unit builds on knowledge and skills learned in Mineralogy and Petrology units in year 2 of the Geology programmes. The following topics will be explored: deducing the mineralogy of the mantle using seismic and geochemical observations and high pressure experimentation; melting in the Earth from top to bottom; the role of defects on physical and chemical processes in the Earth and applications of diffusion and kinetics in petrology.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:

  • describe the different types of defects which can exist in minerals, and their influence on transport properties.
  • explain the nature of diffusion processes and the kinetics of mineral transformations, and apply kinetic data to obtain quantitative timescale information in rocks.
  • describe the mineralogy and petrology of the mantle, and explain the role of phase transitions, thermal expansion and compressibility.
  • understand the relationship between silicate melts and glasses, and the role of silicate melts in the Earth.
  • calculate the composition of minerals and melts in an evolving magmatic system.

Teaching Information

Lectures, practicals and independent work

Assessment Information

There will be a closed examination including questions based on the entire course (80%). The independent assignment will contribute 20% to the unit mark. The practicals will not be marked (although individual feedback will be given). Assessment will be based on the criteria at: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/esu/assessment/codeonline.html#mc

Reading and References

  • Daniel J. Frost, The Upper Mantle and Transition Zone, ELEMENTS, Vol. 4, PP. 171-176 June 2008
  • Guillaume Fiquet, François Guyot, and James Badro, The Earth's Lower Mantle and Core, ELEMENTS, Vol. 4, PP. 177-182 June 2008
  • Kei Hirose and Thorne Lay Discovery of Post-Perovskite and New Views on the Core-Mantle Boundary Region, ELEMENTS, Vol. 4, PP. 183189 June 2008
  • Navrotsky, 1994. Physics and Chemistry of Earth Materials. Cambridge University Press.

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