EA3200 - Metamorphism and Structure

Credit points:	03
Year:	2007
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:	Discipline of Earth Sciences

Thermodynamic considerations of pelitic and calcsilicate metamorphic rocks; genesis of skarns, migmatites and granulites; P-T-t paths and tectonic consideration of metamorphic belts; dislocation processes, foliation development, fold development interaction between deformation, metamorphism, mineralisation and tectonics; resolution of structural problems involving faulting and folding using maps and drillcore; detailed mapping of a selected area in the Mount Isa Inlier, interpretation of field data and of structural and metamorphic relationships and history.

Learning Outcomes

• structural map and borehole exercises are intended to provide students with geometric skills necessary to determine structural relationship in faulted and folded terrains. Topics such as dislocation processes, foliation development and reactivation provide essential background in understanding deformation processes. The study of inclusion trail geometries in relation to metamorphic development will enable students to view deformation processes from the scale of grains to entire mountain belts and understand the inter-relationship between deformation metamorphism and mineralisation;
• to equip students with the skills and background knowledge necessary to map and interpret the geological history of deformed and metamorphosed terranes;
• to provide students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to identify, map and determine the origin of metamorphic rocks, inclusive of thermal, regional, dynamic and metasomatic types. A thermodynamic framework will be provided, as this is critical in understanding metamorphic processes and genesis. Other aspects of geology, especially structural geology and igneous petrology will be drawn together with metamorphism in dealing with the thermal evolution of orogenic belts.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to calculate, produce, interpret and communicate numerical information;
• The ability to select and use appropriate IT tools;
• The ability to access and employ online technologies effectively;
• A coherent and disciplined body of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to learn independently and in a self-directed manner;
• A commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual development.

Prerequisites:	EA2210 and (EA2005 or EA2300)
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	EA3002

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 31-Aug-2007
Coordinator:	Dr Michael Rubenach
Lecturers:	Dr Michael Rubenach, Professor Tim Bell.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 39 hours practicals
Assessment:	end of semester exam (% - 50%); quizzes or tests (% - 25%); practical test on structural geology (% - 25%); assignments (% - 25%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.