OFFICE: S323D or S253 (my lab). Scheduled office hours may vary from
semester to semester, but typically are Tuesday and Thursday, 8:45-9:45 a.m.,
and Friday, 2:20-3:20 p.m. Other times may be scheduled or you can drop by to
see if I am free. Voice mail messages may be left at (609) 896-5330. Email
messages may be sent to
husch@enigma.rider.edu.
TEXT: Petrology by H. Blatt and R. Tracy (BT) and Petrography
of Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks by A. Philpotts (P). In addition,
Microscopic Identification of Crystals by Stoiber and Morse (SM) from
Elements of Mineralogy (GEO201) will be needed for optical assignments.
Supplemental readings may be assigned as required (TBA).
OBJECTIVES AND EVALUATION: This course examines the origin, evolution,
and distribution of igneous and metamorphic rocks on the basis of
physiochemical studies and natural occurrences. Lab assignments emphasize the
continuing development of optical microscopy skills and their application to
the petrographic description and interpretation of selected rock hand samples
and thin sections. Final grades are based on the uncurved average of
three equally weighted class exams (75%) combined with the average of weekly
lab assignments (25%). General grade averages are: >90, A range; 80-89,
B range; 70-79, C range; 60-69 D range; <60, F range. Attendance is
required. When needed, the instructor's permission for withdrawal will be
given only for exceptional circumstances and with the permission of the
student's advisor.
| WEEK | TOPICS | READING |
| 1 | Class organization; Igneous environments, textures, and
structures Lab 1: Review of isotropic and anisotropic mineral optics | BT: Chaps 1-2 P: Chaps 1-2, 5 SM: Chaps 1-9 |
| 2 | Igneous chemistry and classification Lab 2: Igneous rock classifications and CIPW norm calculations | BT: Chap 3 BT: Append 1 P: Chap 4 |
| 3 | Unary and simple binary phase diagrams Lab 3: The optical properties of biaxial minerals I | BT: Chap 4 SM: Chaps 10-11 P: Chap 2 |
| 4 | Complex binary and simple ternary phase diagrams Lab 4: The optical properties of biaxial minerals II | BT: Chap 5 SM: Chaps 12-13 P: Chap 2 |
| 5 | FIRST EXAM; Magma evolution and diversification
processes Lab 5: Optical determination of igneous mineral compositions | BT: Chap 6 P: Chap 3 |
| 6 | The mantle and the earth's interior; Oceanic
igneous rocks Lab 6: Basalts | BT: Chaps 7-8 P: Chap 4 |
| 7 | Convergent margin igneous rocks Lab 7: The Palisades sill and the differentiation of basalts PALISADES SILL AND NEWARK BASIN FIELD TRIP (tentative) | BT: Chap 9 P: Chaps 4-5 TBA |
| 8 | Continental igneous rocks Lab 8: Calc-alkaline igneous rocks at convergent margins | BT: Chap 10 P: Chaps 4-5 |
| 9 | SECOND EXAM; Introduction to metamorphism Lab 9: Hypersolvus and subsolvus granites | BT: Chap 18 P: Chaps 4-5 |
| 10 | Metamorphic isograds, facies, assemblages, and phase
diagrams Lab 10: Identification of common metamorphic minerals | BT: Chaps 19-20 P: Chap 6 |
| 11 | Metamorphic reactions, Prograde metamorphism of pelitic
rocks Lab 11: A prograde metamorphic pelitic sequence WISSAHICKON CREEK METAMORPHICS FIELD TRIP (tentative) | BT: Chaps 21, 23 P: Chap 6 TBA |
| 12 | Metamorphism of mafic and ultramafic rocks Lab 12: Various metamorphic assemblages and facies | BT: Chap 22 P: Chap 6 |
| 13 | Metamorphism of calcareous rocks Lab 13: Petrotectonic discrimination diagrams; Geothermobarometry | BT: Chap 24 BT: Append 2 TBA |
| THIRD AND FINAL EXAM (FINALLY!) Date and time of the exam changes from semester to semester. Please check final exam schedule for the appropriate semester. |
Note: Course schedule may change slightly due to unforeseen
circumstances or class interest and progress.