The University of British Columbia

Course Description

Deciphering lithospheric processes as recorded by the mineralogy, chemistry and textures of metamorphosed rocks.

UBC Calendar

For a full listing of course offerings please see the UBC calendar description

Learning Goals

1.    Apply principles of equilibrium thermodynamics to evaluate the conditions for formation of metamorphic mineral assemblages.

2.    Assess petrogenetic evolution and Pressure-Temperature-time progression from metamorphic rock textures and mineral assemblages.

3.    Relate changes in mineral content and texture across a metamorphic suite or map area to processes of metamorphism.

4.    Differentiate mineralogical changes due to variable bulk composition from those that result from temperature, pressure, and imposed chemical potential.

5.    Describe using metamorphic processes, the mechanisms by which heat, mass and fluid are transported in the Earth’s crust, and relate them to their plate tectonic environment.

Instructors

Greg Dipple

Textbook

Yardley, BWD An Introduction to Metamorphic Petrology.
Recommended Reference Text: Makenzie, WS A Colour Atlas of Rocks and Minerals in Thin Section.

Course Content

http://www.vista.ubc.ca/

Lecture Topics

Week	Topic	Readings
1	Terminology, Driving Forces	Chapter 1
2	Thermodynamics	Chapter 2
3	Phase Diagrams	Chapter 2
4	Regional Metamorphism of Pelites	Chapter 3
5	High T, Low P Metamorphism of Pelites	Chapter 3
6	Meta-Basites, SeaFloor Hydrothermal Systems	Chapter 4
7	Midterm Break
8	Metamorphism of Siliceous Limestones
9	Mid-Term Exam	Chapter 5
10	Siliceous Dolomites	Chapter 5
11	Mass Transport - Advection and Diffusion	Chapter 6
12	Heat Flow	Chapter 6
13	Time Dependence, Evolution of Metamorphic Systems	Chapter 7
14	Tectonism and Metamorphism	Chapter 7

Labs

Week	Topic
1	None
2	Rock & Minerals Review
3	Minerals & Textures
4	Barrovian Metapelites
5	Barrovian Metapelites(continue)
6	Pelitic Hornfels & Migmatites
7	Metabasites
8	Spring Break
9	Marbles, Skarns,and Calc-Silicates
10	Mylonites and Geothermobarometry
11	Lab Test - Guidelines Posted Here Final Project Assigned
12	Final Project
13	Final Project
14	Final Project Due