Petrology of the igneous and metamorphic rocks 1300-WM-PSMMC

The aim of practical is to learn the petrology of the igneous and metamorphic rocks, with particular emphasis being put on the processes of their formation in various plate-tectonic regimes.

Petrology of the igneous rocks examines the genesis and processes of differentiation of the most important types of rocks, both effusive and intrusive. It defines their mineralogical and geochemical compositions, textures and formation in various geotectonic regimes. During the course students will acquire knowledge about petrology of ultramafic rocks (in relation to mantle composition), mafic (with particular emphasis being placed on petrology and geochemistry of various types of basalt and their connection to the plate-tectonic regimes), rock components of mafic layered intrusion (gabra, anorthosite), intermediate (in the context of processes related to the subduction), silica undersaturated rocks, and acidic rocks (rhyolites and granitoids, including the identification of textures related to the melt differentiation processes).
Petrology of the metamorphic rocks explains the geological processes leading to the formation of rocks in the various metamorphic conditions. It presents tectonic setting, metamorphic facies and rocks associated with them. Students develop previously acquired skills of recognizing minerals and rocks typical for the conditions of metamorphism and learn to describe rocks (recognize their mineral composition, textures, specific mineral assemblage determining metamorphic conditions). Students classify rocks to metamorphic facies (regional and contact), describe rocks associated with dislocated metamorphism, use metamorphic mineral assemblages to track the p-T condition.
Students document their observations in the form of a report containing a petrographic description of the rock together with an interpretation describing conditions of its formation.

Type of course

elective courses

Prerequisites (description)

Before starting the course, the student should know how to use a polarizing microscope, recognize rock-forming minerals and rocks. Students should have knowledge about the processes leading to the formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, as well as magmatic and post-magmatic processes and sedimentary environments.

Course coordinators

Justyna Domańska-Siuda
Agnieszka Marcinowska

Learning outcomes

• The student knows the terminology related to the structure of the Earth, geotectonic environments, rock-forming processes, petrology of igneous and metamorphic rocks
• the student acquires knowledge allowing for petrological interpretations
• the student learns to connect textures and characteristic mineral assemblies to metamorphic facies
•the student has knowledge in the following geological sciences: rock-forming minerals, petrology and geochemistry of igneous and metamorphic rocks

• is able to recognize and describe rock-forming minerals, describe and classify rocks
• Is able to analize magmatic and metamorphic processes, is able to draw petrogenetic conclusions based on observations under a microscope
• is able to prepare documentation based on observations
• Knows basic techniques and research tools used in petrology
• Is able to select material for further research

• The student demonstrates the need to constantly update knowledge in the field of geological sciences
• The student presents responsibility for entrusted equipment
• The student is open to conducting his own original interpretations

Assessment criteria

The skills acquired by students are verified during the course, as the subject is taught through continuous contact between the student and the teacher. During the classes, the teacher tests student's skills by asking questions, checking and correcting mistakes. In the final assessment, the student's activity during classes is also taken into account.
The final test of the skills acquired during the exercises is based on the description of the thin section. The student's task is to recognize the mineral phases, describe the texture, name the rock, determine the conditions of its formation and describe other important processes visible under the microscope. The description of the rock must be accompanied by a brief geological description of the place of sampling. In the final assessment, the student's activity during classes is also taken into consideration.

Practical placement

none

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 1300-WM-PSMMC in USOSweb