Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2019 - EASC 608 G100

Advanced Metamorphic Petrology (3)

Class Number: 10708

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Location: TBA

  • Instructor:

    Brendan Dyck
    brendand@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-5389
    Office: TASC 1 Room 7233

  • Prerequisites:

    Permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Field relations, nature and origin of metamorphic and metsomatic rocks, graphical treatment and interpretation of mineral assemblages and heat-flow regimes in the framework of global tectonics, with special emphasis on derivation of pressure-temperature-fluid conditions ranging from low-grade rocks through granulites to partial melts. Laboratory: petrographic techniques applied to the study of rock suites.

COURSE DETAILS:

General:
This course presents the principles of phase equilibria as applied to metamorphic rocks. An overview of thermodynamic datasets and Gibbs energy minimization routines is presented and accompanied by hands-on tutorials using Thermocalc and Perplex/Theriak-Domino. The commonly employed forward and inverse modelling techniques will be reviewed, and within the course framework there will be opportunity for student-led research projects that employ these techniques.

Recommended courses: undergraduate courses in metamorphic petrology (or permission from instructor)

Course Topics:

  1. Conventional geothermobarometry
  2. Multivariant thermobarometry (AvePT)
  3. P-T Isochemical equilibrium assemblage diagrams (i.e. pseudosections)
  4. T-X, P-X diagrams
  5. Contours (isomodes and isopleths)
  6. Fluid activity and partial melting
  7. Advanced applications (P-T paths)
  8. Advanced applications (forward modelling crustal processes)
  9. Advanced applications (chemical potential diagrams)  
Course Organization: One 3 hour combined lecture/tutorial in the computer laboratory per week. Weekly assignments. 2 term research projects (P-T determination, forward modelling).

Grading

  • Lab Assignments 20%
  • Research Projects 70%
  • Class Participation 10%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

None

RECOMMENDED READING:

Course Materials: The course does not use a specific textbook. I recommend the following books for background:

  1. Thermodynamics: Elementary Thermodynamics for Geologists. BJ Wood & DG Fraser. Oxford University Press.
  2. Metamorphic petrology: Principles of Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. AR Philpotts & JJ Ague. Cambridge University Press.
  3. Metamorphic petrology: An Introduction to Metamorphic Petrology. BW Yardley. Longman Press.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS