Magmatic Processes

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 6
• Lecturer: Professor Hilary Downes
• Prerequisites: a pass in Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
• Assessment: one three-hour theory paper (50%) and a portfolio of practical work (50%)

This module aims to:

• introduce modern concepts of petrogenesis, including the major magmatic processes
• show the importance of geochemical data in the study of igneous petrology
• introduce you to the integration of thin-section petrography and geochemical data in order to understand the origin of suites of igneous rocks.

Practicals will consist of petrographic examination and description of igneous rocks in thin-section, plus the application of chemical calculations to petrogenetic problems. A calculator and optical mineralogy textbook will be essential for practical work.

Indicative module content

• The generation of magmas, their subsequent behaviour and evolution
• Application of trace elements and radiogenic isotopes to the study of the origin of igneous rocks
• Tectonic setting of major igneous rock associations
• Processes at constructive and destructive plate margins
• Origin and evolution of alkaline rocks
• Evidence for crustal contamination, magma mixing and liquid immiscibility in the formation and evolution of magmas

By the end this module, you should:

• understand modern concepts of igneous petrology
• be able to relate petrographic and geochemical information to deduce the origin of igneous rocks
• be able to interpret information from thin-sections and integrate this with geochemical data
• have developed reasoning based on evidence from thin-section observations and geochemical data.

• Wilson, M., Igneous Petrogenesis (Unwin Hyman, 1988).