Relationship between magmatism and geodynamic setting, and chemical composition of the upper mantle. Geochemistry of trace elements and their distribution during magma genesis and differentiation. Description of the main isotopic systems used for dating geological processes and materials. Application of isotopic tracers to constrain the evolution of planet Earth from its formation to the present.
- Lectures' handouts
- Dickin: Radiogenic Isotope Geology. Cambridge.
- Wilson M. (1989) Igneous Petrogenesis, a global tectonic approach - Unwin Hyman, London, pp.
Learning Objectives
The aim of the course is to provide a general framework on the main petrologic processes occurring during the genesis and evolution of planet Earth and on the distribution of chemical element during such processes. With the acquired knowledge the student will also learn the main geocronological methods used for dating rocks and geological processes and to define the different phases of evolution of planet Earth.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Chemistry, Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Petrography.
Teaching Methods
Lectures in class
Further information
Type of Assessment
The oral examination is aimed at determining the learning by the student of the knowledge provided during the course. The student will be required to answer to questions about the main topics explained during the course. The student’s ability to critically discuss the topics of the course will also be evaluated.
Course program
Composition of the upper mantle and magma genesis. Relationship between magma genesis and geodynamic setting: genesis of magmas in mid oceanic ridges, subduction zones and intraplate settings. Geochemistry of trace elements. Partition coefficients and distribution of trace elements during the processes of magma genesis and differentiation.
Mechanisms and laws of readioactive decay. Description of the main isotopic methods used in geochronology for dating geological processes and materials: K-Ar, Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Th-Pb and U-series. Dating of tectonic events. Constraints on the evolution of planet Earth through time from its genesis to the present inferred from the application of long-lived and extinct isotopes on terrestrial and meteoritic material: e.g. core-mantle differentiation processes; genesis and evolution of the continental crust