University of Silesia
Faculty of Earth Sciences
Course title:
Petrology of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
Department of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Petrology
Hours of lectures: 60
ECTS credits: 7
Semester: winter
Hours of classes/laboratory: 60
Code: 04-GE- GM-S2-GL2-404
Learning outcomes:
1. Knowledge about the magma crystallization/ blasthesis during metamorphism
2. Knowledge about the methos of investigation of igneous and metamorphic rocks
3. Ability to use the classification diagrams and critical interpretation of the results of their
application
4. Base of geothermometry and geobarometry
5. Ability to reconstruct of petrological process on the base of macro- and microscopic
observations of the rocks
6. Ability to reconstruct the pressure-temperature regime of the magmatic/metamorphic
processes;
7. Ability to use the mass-balance tool for the crustal processes on the base of migmatite
example
8. Ability to reconstruct the processes of crystallization/ melting/ mixing on the base of
chemical composition of the rocks (both major and trace elements)
9. Ability to determine the priorities in the realization of petrological sciences and to solve the
practical problem.
Course description:
Lecture:
Igneous petrology
1. Processes of magma crystallization, order of crystallization, introduction to geochemical
modelling with examples
2. Structures/microstructures and textures/microtextures of igneous rocks – thermodynamic
parameters governing the magma cooling; equilibriium and disequilibrium effects in meltcrystal system.
3. Where basalts are born. Main geotectonic environments generating basaltic magmas.
4. Ryolite-dacite clan, magmatic eruptions, types and characteristics of eruptions, results,
associated events.
5. Anorthosites - locations of massifs, characteristics and economic importance
6. Gabbros and ultramafic rocks, the importance of ophiolites. Cumulate formations. Stratified
intrusions.
7. Granites – the history of continental crust formation. Klassifications: genetic, descriptive
and geotectonic(examples), partial melting, The link of the granitoid rocks with their
protolith.
8. Hybrid rocks – formation conditions, magma mixing processes, contamination and
assimilation processes.
9. Enclaves in magmatic rocks – definition, classification, the role of enclaves in the magma
batches evelopment and the reading of pluton`s history;
University of Silesia
Faculty of Earth Sciences
10. Pegmatites - the history of investigations and current state of knowledge, pegmatite
zonation, formation cycles, internal structure of pegmatites, seconomical importance selected examples
11. The origin of kimberlites, their occurrence , diamonds origin.
12. Carbonatites and nefelinites – inter-relations, classification, occurrence.
13. Geothermometry and geobarometry in magmatic rocks - selected examples.
14. Non-typical intrusions (outside the classification schemes)
Metamorphic petrology
1. Basic definitions, metamorphic zones and facies, isograds metsamorphism classification,
metamorphic factors.
2. Metamorphism anad tektonics inter-relations – microstructures and microtextures
3. Dynamically recrystallized rocks
a) ductile deformation
b) brittle deformation
4. Metamorphic reations and their effects. Thermodynamic laws, Gibbs Rule, symbols used
and reactions basis, P-T path construction
5. Very low grade metamorphism and metamorphism of the ocean floor
6. Barrow metamorphism
7. High temperature metamorphism and migmatites
8. Calc-silicate rocks.
9. Graphite in metamorphic rocks: polymorphism, origin and occurrence. Graphite as a
catalyser/inhibitor of metamorphic processes
10. Eclogite and Ultra High Pressure (UHP) rocks
11. Thermobarometry in metamorphic rocks. 12. Retrogressin in metamorphic rocks
13. Pyrometamorphism – definitions and examples.
14. Graphic presentation of metamorphic rocks and their minerals compositions
Class/laboratory:
1. Microscopic examination of thin sections – structure and texture as the tool for recognition
of crystallization conditions
2. Mineral composition and crystallization order
3. Formulation of the metamorphic reaction
4. Geochemical modelling – main components
5. Geochemical modelling – trace element components
6. Equilibrium and dis-equilibrium – recognition in thin sections
7-8. Geothermometry and geobarometry – practical calculations of selected geothermometers
and geobarometers (exchange reactions, solvus reactions, net-transfer reactions, oxygen
fugacity)
9. Retrogression in crystalline rocks – methods of investigations.
10. Mass-balance calculations on the example of migmatite
11. Chemical space, AFM, ACF, AKF diagrams and their interpretations
12. Petrological features of pyrometamorphic rocks
13. Magma mixing effects in thin sections
14. Isotope data in petrology
15. Petrological processes reconstruction using petrological methods.
University of Silesia
Examination method:
Lecture:
Oral exam
Class/laboratory:
Selected exercises to be done independently
Faculty of Earth Sciences