Metamorphic Petrography

This course examines the description, classification and interpretation of metamorphic rocks using hand-sample, microscopic, graphical and numerical techniques. Metamorphic processes and environments of metamorphism are discussed (contact, regional and hydrothermal metamorphism; metamorphic facies and zones). Students are introduced to the use of phase diagrams, thermodynamics and phase equilibria techniques to constrain the conditions of formation of mineral + fluid assemblages. Geochronology and thermal modeling techniques are introduced. Laboratories present samples and suites of material illustrating metamorphic textures and mineralogy used to infer metamorphic reaction history and the pressure and temperature conditions of metamorphism. PREREQ: GEOL 2127 and GEOL 2237. (lec 3, lab 3) cr 3.