Interpretation of the petrogenetic processes of the igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, even with respect to their geodynamic environment. Interpretation of the volcanic processes. Classification of the rocks through the polarized light optycal microscope.

The minerals of magmatic rocks and mineralogical modal composition. The modal classification and chemical composition of rocks. The chemical classification of magmatic rocks and basic petrochemical concepts (saturation indexes). Genesis and physical properties of magma: examples of the mantle system and crust system. Genesis of magmas: examples of two and three component systems in the presence of eutectic and peritettic in the processes of partial melting and crystallization at the equilibrium and fractional conditions. Influence of temperature and pressure in the genesis and crystallization of magmas. The Forsterite-Enstatite-Diopside system. The Diopside-Anortite system. The Forsterite-Silica at low and high pressure conditions. The Nepheline-Silica and Leucite-Silica system. Crystallization and fractional crystallization of magma. The behaviour of trace elements during partial melting and crystallization processes. The crustal assimilation and the mixing of magmas. Structures of magmatic rocks. Magmatic series and geodynamic environments. Normative composition of magmatic rocks. The basaltic tetrahedron. Description and classification of rocks under the polarized light microscope. Optical features of magmatic rock-forming minerals. The QAPF classification diagram and classification diagrams of ultrafemic rocks. Chemical classification for volcanic rocks through the TAS diagram. Volcanic activity and Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI). Explosive and effusive eruptions and related products. Classification of explosive eruptions. Volcanic edifices. Calderas. Volcanic hazard. Volcanic risk. The sedimentary process and the sedimentary rocks. Silicoclastic terrigenous rocks and classification of sandstones. The mineralogical and textural maturity of sandstones. Carbonatic rocks and their classification. Definition of the metamorphic process. The factors of metamorphism: temperature, pressure, presence of fluid phases, deformation. The metamorphic reactions. Metamorphic transformations: two- and three-phase associations and their ternary diagrams. The concept of metamorphic facies: metamorphic paragenesis and reaction isograde. Nomenclature of metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic facies and thermal gradients: series of metamorphic facies and P-T petrogenic grids. Microstructures and classification in thin section of the most common magmatic rocks through polarized optycal microscope (with exercises). Field excursions. 

No bridging courses.

The student has to demonstrate:

Knowledge and understanding. At the end of the course, the student must have assimilated the basic knowledge on the chemical and physical properties of magma and volcanology and a thorough knowledge on the processes of formation of silicate melts and their evolution. The student should also have acquired basic knowledge of the whole spectrum of the main magmatic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

Apply knowledge and understanding. The student will have to demonstrate that he has mastered the basic concepts for recognizing, classifying and describing the most important magmatic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks of the Planet Earth. The student will also have to demonstrate that he is able to classify igneous rocks using a polarized light optical microscope and trace back to the environments of magma formation, reconstructing, even on a physical-chemical basis, the process of partial melting of mantle and crust, and the crystallization of magmas.

Making judgment. The student will have to demonstrate mastery of fundamental concepts to independently and critically evaluate the different processes of formation of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

Communication skills. The student should be able to describe correctly the rocks and the processes that led to their formation, using a specific technical language.

Learning ability. The student will be able to build his scientific growth path in the field of petrography, petrology and volcanology, critically and independently, using the knowledge acquired. These skills, as far as possible, will be stimulated by the teacher proposing insights.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Seminar activities and insights given by researchers of the University of Urbino or other universities or research centers will be provided.

Teaching

Lectures and practical exercises in the microscopy rooms. Geological fieldtrips in selected magmatic provinces of Italy. 

Innovative teaching methods

Activity of geological field trips.

Attendance

Attendance is suggested. The practical exercises are also comprised for the final knowledge.

Course books

Files of the lessons given to the students and available at Moodle › blended.uniurb.it

Suggested textbooks:

Morbidelli L. (2003) – Le rocce e i loro costituenti. Bardi editore.

Santo P., Peccerillo A. (2021) - Elementi di Petrologia. Patron Editore Bologna.

Klein C., Philpotts A.R. (2018) - Mineralogia e petrografia. Zanichelli.

Shelley D. (1992) Igneous and metamorphic rocks under the microscope. Chapman & Hall Ed., Londra.

Philpotts A.R. (1990) - Principles of Igneous and metamorphic petrology. Prentice Hall Ed.

Bosellini A.,  Mutti E., Ricci Lucchi F. (1989) - Rocce e successioni sedimentarie UTET Ed., Torino

Assessment

Practical examination addressed to the description and classification of the magmatic rocks under the polarized light optycal microscope and oral examination structured to improve the knowledge of the students concerning fundamental concepts, technical procedures, command of the specific language, appropriate claim on the issues and challenges. The oral examination is evaluated in thirtieths.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Course books

To give the opportunity to non-attending students to compensate for the independent study of what is done during classes, the following materials are provided with reference to the same content of the programme in order to promote its full understanding.

Files of the lessons given to the students and available at Moodle › blended.uniurb.it

Suggested textbooks:

Morbidelli L. (2003) – Le rocce e i loro costituenti. Bardi editore.

D’Argenio B., Innocenti F., Sassi F.P. (1994) - Introduzione allo studio delle rocce. UTET Ed., Torino.

D’Amico C., Innocenti F., Sassi F.P. (1987) - Magmatismo e metamorfismo. UTET Ed., Torino.

Shelley D. (1992) Igneous and metamorphic rocks under the microscope. Chapman & Hall Ed., Londra.

Philpotts A.R. (1990) - Principles of Igneous and metamorphic petrology. Prentice Hall Ed.

Bosellini A.,  Mutti E., Ricci Lucchi F. (1989) - Rocce e successioni sedimentarie UTET Ed., Torino

Assessment

Practical examination addressed to the description and classification of the magmatic rocks under the polarized light optycal microscope and oral examination structured to improve the knowledge of the students concerning fundamental concepts, technical procedures, command of the specific language, appropriate claim on the issues and challenges. The oral examination is evaluated in thirtieths.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.