The University of British Columbia

Course Description

A quantitative and laboratory-based study of the chemical and physical processes behind the origins and nature of igneous rocks. We examine the formation of magma in different tectonic setting and look at global patterns of magmatism. The course centers on the interpretation of phase diagrams, chemical and isotopic data, and rock textures. An important part of the course is petrographic examinations of rocks in thin sections.

UBC Calendar

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

Learning Goals

1. Describe, classify, and correctly name igneous rocks based on field and lab data.
   These include the morphology of the body, observations on the field relationship of the rock, the macroscopic texture of the rock, shapes and sizes of minerals in thin sections, correct identification of minerals in the rock.
2. Interpret the origin and formation of igneous rocks.
   These include the place of formation for major magmas, the tectonic setting necessary to produce the magma, the thermal regime and depth of magma generation.

Instructors

Maya Kopylova

Textbook

Lecture - John Winter

Course Content

http://www.eos.ubc.ca/courses/eosc321/index.html

Lecture Topics

Lecture	Topic
1	Introduction
2	Overview
3	Chemical classification of igneous rocks
4	CIPW Norm Calculation
5	Interpretation of fabric. Phase Rule.
6	Binary Systems
7	Binary Peritectic Systems
8	Ternary Systems
9	Kimberlites
10	Mid-Term
11	Trace and Major Element Chemistry Interpretation
12	Mantle petrology
13	Rare Earth Elements
14	Melting
15	Primary magmas
16	Isotopes as Petrogenetic Indicators I
17	Hawaiian volcanism
18	Mid-Term Examination
19	Tholeiitic and Alkaline magmatism Basalts as examples of mantle magmas
20	Tectono-magmatic associations. Mid-ocean ridge basalts
21	Continental flood basalts and Magmatism of continental rifts
22	Granites: classification and origin
23	Metallongeny and Plutonism: Some examples in the Cordillera
24	Magmatism of Subduction zones: island arcs
25	Magmatism of Subduction zones: continental arcs
26	Kimberlites
27	Carbonatites

Labs

Week	Topic
1	No Lab
2	Lab 0: Review of Optical Properties of Minerals
3	Lab 1: Ultramafic Rocks
4	Lab 2: Mafic Plutonic Rocks
5	Lab 3: Basalts and other mafic volcanic rocks
6	No Lab 4 - Reading Week
7	Lab 4: Granitoids
8	Lab 5: Felsic plutonic rocks
9	Lab 6: Intermediate and Felsic volcanic rocks
10	Lab 7: Pyroclastic rocks
11	Lab 8: Kimberlites, lamprophyres and carbonatites
12	Lab 9: Alkaline Rocks
13	Lab Exam