Building Earth: Rocks, Minerals, Magmas

How does our planet evolve over time? What is its interior like? These questions were first addressed by looking at rocks, and the study of rocks remains a vibrant field within the geosciences. In this subject you will discover the astonishing diversity and complexity of rocks that appear on Earth’s surface. You will learn to read the stories of planetary change that these rocks record–whether they formed during volcanic eruptions, at the hearts of mountain belts, or in ancient tropical seas. The Subject emphasises the practical scientific skills of detailed observation, accurate description, informative classification, and reasoned interpretation. You will develop these skills in the laboratory, and apply them during a field excursion to the Western Victoria Volcanics District.

我们的星球是如何随着时间演化的？它的内部是什么样的？这些问题最初通过观察岩石来解决，岩石研究仍然是地球科学领域一个充满活力的领域。在本课程中，您将发现地球表面出现的岩石惊人的多样性和复杂性。您将学会解读这些岩石记录的行星变化故事——无论它们是在火山喷发期间、在山脉核心还是在古代热带海洋中形成。本课程强调详细观察、准确描述、信息分类和合理解释的实践科学技能。您将在实验室中培养这些技能。

• 1Explain where, how and why igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks are formed
• 2Describe and categorize igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks in hand specimen and thin section, with reference to standard classification schemes
• 3Explain igneous and metamorphic rocks as products of the drive towards thermodynamic equilibrium.
• 4Interpret the observed mineralogy and texture of rocks to propose the conditions of their formation.
• 5Discuss the links between rock formation and planetary tectonic processes.