NIGK14020U Core to Crust: Earth´s Evolution and Processes (part 2)

Volume 2020/2021
Education

MSc Programme in Geology-Geoscience

Content

Geochemical evolution of Earth from 4.6 Ga to today; geochemistry and mineralogy of Earth components (core, mantle, crust), high temperature geochemical processes; isotopic tracers; high pressure and temperature mineralogy; methods of examination of the deep Earth’s mineralogy; geochemical cycles in the crust and mantle; role of mineral structures in the formation of different Earth components and distribution of volatiles in the deep Earth.

Special focus will be on mineralogy and geochemistry of the upper mantle and continental crust, high pressure metamorphism of the continental crust, the geochemical cycles in the crust and mantle, application of thermodynamic and kinetic principles to geochemical processes, and high temperature – high pressure geochemical processes,  mineral properties and transformations.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

  • Geochemistry and mineralogy of Earth components (core, mantle, crust) and in particular the crust-mantle system
  • Isotopic tracers
  • High pressure and temperature mineralogy related to deep Earth


Skills:

  • Description of the general characteristics of the different geochemical reservoirs within the Earth, the interplays between them, in particular the crust-mantle system
  • Knowledge of the chemical variations within the different Earth’s geochemical reservoirs in terms of geochemical processes linked to modern plate tectonic theory, lithospheric recycling and geodynamics, and to thermodynamic principles
  • Application of isotopic tracers to high-temperature petrological problems
  • Description of the basic mineralogy of the different Earth components
  • Knowledge of the high-temperature high-pressure transformations of rock-forming minerals and their role in the transport and storage of volatiles in the deep Earth


Competences:

  • Familiarity with the on-going and past processes that have led to the structure of the Earth’s crust-mantle system and the formation of the core
  • Familiarity with the mineralogical experimental methods for the study of the deep Earth
  • describe the general characteristics of the different geochemical reservoirs within the Earth, the interplays between the crust and mantle, and explain these within the framework of the evolution of the planet
  • explain chemical and mineralogical variations within the different Earth’s layers in terms of geochemical processes linked to modern plate tectonic theory, lithospheric recycling and geodynamics, and thermodynamic and crystallographic principles.

Please see Absalon course page.

BSc in Geology-Geoscience or equivalent is recommended, especially courses in high-temperature geochemistry and mineralogy. In order to participate students are strongly recommended to have a knowledge corresponding to that obtained in part 1 of the course.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
The form of teaching is theory exercises combined with ad hoc lectures. For the teaching plan, please see Absalon.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Preparation
  • 171
  • Theory exercises
  • 35
  • Total
  • 206
Oral
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Feedback by final exam (In addition to the grade)
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment, during course
Oral examination, 20 minutes
The written assignment is prepared during the course and must be handed in prior to the exam week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure. It includes the titles listed in the officially approved reading list. A combined grade is given after the oral exam.
Aid
Without aids
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Re-exam

Re-submission of written assignment, 20 minutes oral examination. The written assignment must be handed in prior to the re-examination week. The oral exam uses the written assignment as its point of departure. It includes the titles listed in the officially approved reading list.

Criteria for exam assesment

Please see learning outcome.