Petrology I 1300-OPTR3W

The aim of the lecture is to get insight into wide range of rock-forming processes. For magmatic rocks it shows mantle- and crust-melting processes; their further differentiation, products of this differentiation in a light of their geochemical and phase evolution. It introduces knowledge about rock-forming minerals, their composition, growth textures dependent on crystallization environment. It displays relationship between plate tectonic and melt/rock composition. Elements of geochemical modelling leading to magmatic rock formation are introduced.
Metamorphic rocks are presented in similar way e.g. in connection with geodynamic environments. Their parageneses are shown as equilibrium assamblage, which is attained for particular P and T. Their textures are used for reconstruction of the dynamics of the process. Identification of protolith takes the form of interactive exercise. Similarly interactive activities include phase, metamorthic paths identification, both on the basis of rock composition and texture.
Block of sedimentary rock formation is focused on deposition and lithification processes. Subsequent stages of diagenesis are shown within different types of environment.
The course shows not only processes, products of their activity, but also teaches how to lead research on rocks, introduces the new research methods, presents ideas how to identify and use petrogenetic indicators.