Earth Materials and Internal Processes Description Topics include: Geochemistry of planet Earth, solar and meteorite studies and composition of the primitive solar nebula Mineral structure and composition with particular reference to the main rock-forming mineral groups X-ray diffraction studies of minerals Magmas: origins and mechanisms of production in various global tectonic settings Magma ascent, and processes operating in magma chambers Fractional crystallization Emplacement of magmas at high crustal levels and the extrusion of volcanic material Major and trace element geochemistry; the use of one- and two-component phase diagrams in understanding magma origins and evolution; applications of radiogenic isotopes Identification of rocks and minerals in hand specimen Introduction to the use of the petrological microscope Delivery Lectures 20 hours Lab practicals 40 hours Assessment 60% examination: one two hour paper. This is split into two sections (A and B) one on materials and one on internal processes. Students to answer 2 questions from each section 40% class test: involving hand specimens of rocks and minerals and thin sections of rocks linked to a problem map or cross section. Taken in the final week of term Key skills Identification of minerals and rocks in hand specimen Use of the petrological microscope to identify minerals and to recognise a wide range of igneous rocks and some metamorphic and sedimentary rocks Use of geochemical and experimental data to support models of magma genesis and magmatic evolution – particularly to become competent in the use of one and two component phase diagrams and chemical variation diagrams