302. Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

Petrology is the study of the origin of rocks, based on detailed observation of rock characteristics (petrography) together with theoretical/experimental approaches. This course provides a review of the occurrence, characteristics and origins of the common igneous and metamorphic rocks. Specific areas of study include the origin and differentiation of primary magmas, specific magmatic evolution trends, common rock associations, metamorphic zones and facies, migmatites, the nature of the deep crust and use of experimentally derived phase diagrams in the understanding of igneous and metamorphic petrogenesis. The relationship of plate tectonics to the formation of these generally holocrystalline rocks is emphasized. Laboratory work includes an introduction to thin section petrography, in addition to hand specimen description and classification. Prerequisite: GEOL 103 or GEOL 110 and GEOL 203 or permission of instructor.