Understanding the main petrogenetic processes (partial melting, magma crystallization, metamorphic processes) that lead to the formation of oceanic and continental crust. Understanding energy and matter cycles in magmatic environments in oceanic and continental contexts Understanding the impacts of magmatic and metamorphic processes on the formation of the main mineral deposits Knowledge of field relationships and recognition of igneous and metamorphic rocks in lithospheric sequences representative of oceanic and continental crust outcropping in the Alpine and Apennine context
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of petrology and geochemistry is required, along with basic knowledge of mineralogy and geodynamics. In particular, magmatic differentiation processes and major metamorphic facies; trace element geochemistry and partition coefficients; basic isotopic geochemistry in the Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd systematics; U-Pb geochronology; and general geodynamic concepts such as mid-ocean ridges, rifting, and mantle plumes.
Teaching Methods
Frontal lessons with the use of multimedia material Field trips
Assessment Methods
Final oral exam that will include two open questions including the production of graphs and/or geodynamic models as presented in class. The knowledge of the processes presented and presentation skills will be assessed in these quesitons. A specific question about geochemistry/petrology of will be used to asses the knowledge on the formation of mineral deposits in specific environments. A short report based on the field excursions will be also required
Texts
Scientific reference articles on the contents presented. Treatise on Geochemistry (2014)
Contents
Architecture and composition of ocean ridges Petrology of the oceanic crust and accretionary processes in different ridge environments Tectonic, metamorphic and magma-water exchange processes in oceanic contexts Formation of mineral deposits in oceanic environment. Geochemical characteristics of the Earth's mantle and crustal differentiation Geochemistry of magmas in various geodynamic contexts (ocean ridges, volcanic islands, back-arc basins, subcontinental environments) Composition of the continental crust and its evolution through time. Magmatic, metamorphic and tectonic processes associated with rifting and oceanization in Red Sea region.
