- Docente: Roberto Braga
- Credits: 4
- SSD: GEO/07
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Geology and Land Management (cod. 8027)
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student knows how to obtain quantitative insights into petrogenetic processes using thermodynamic modelling. Specific topics are:
- Forward vs inverse modelling of petrogenetic processes
- Mass transfer among solid Earth reservoirs and biosphere
- How to relate microstructures to mountain-building processes
Course contents
- Igneous and metamorphic processes - a refresher
- Defining the system of interest
- Learning how to use the software Perple_X
- The KFMASH system, analogue for continental crust evolution
- The role of fluids during subsolidus processes
- The CMASH-CO2 system and the carbonation of ultramafic rocks
- Field trip (two-days) on a crystalline basement
Readings/Bibliography
- Perple_X tutorial and documentation
- Selected papers from Elements; students can download the papers when connected to the almawifi domain. Elements subscription is possible thanks to BiGeA's funding.
Teaching methods
The class is mostly based on active and cooperative learning. Frontal lectures will mostly support the learning curve for Perple_X
Emphasis will be on thinking, inquiry, creativity on problem-solving. Team work is encouraged, including peer reviewing and critiquing.
Students will need to use their personal laptop.
Assessment methods
- A practical exam consisting of the calculationof equilibrium phase diagrams, from which the student will extract quantitative petrogenetic information (50% of the final grade)
- Oral discussion on the results of the practical exam (50% of the final grade)
Teaching tools
- Projector for Power Point presentations
- Rock and thin section collections
- Polarizing Optical Microscope
- Open Software for petrogenetic modelling
Office hours
See the website of Roberto Braga