This module will provide you with the tools you need to characterise and record the geological materials that form as a result of magmatic and metamorphic processes. You will describe and identify igneous and metamorphic minerals and rocks in hand specimen and thin section. We will place this learning in a tectonic context, to provide some understanding of where and why the rocks form. Field classes will allow students to apply their theoretical learning in a real-world setting.

This module can be suitable for non-specialist students but some prior knowledge of geology is recommended. This module is compulsory for Geology, Resource and Exploration, Engineering Geology and Geotechnics and Environmental Geoscience students. It provides the foundation for the modules CSM3070 Volcanology and CSM3059 Evolution of the Earth and Planetary Systems.

The module introduces you to igneous and metamorphic products and their plate tectonic context. The module develops the skills that will enable you to describe, identify and classify igneous and metamorphic rocks. You will consider the characteristics of igneous and metamorphic rocks in a mineralogical context. 

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 identify, describe and classify igneous and metamorphic rocks;

2; interpret field structures, rock textures and mineral assemblages

3; synthesise and interpret the occurrence of igneous and metamorphic rocks


Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

4; appreciate deep processes in the lithosphere and asthenosphere that affect the nature of rocks observed at the surface of the Earth.

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

5 demonstrate personal observational and descriptive skills, along with self- and time-management skills

Lecture course content

- the crystalline structure of the silicate-rock forming minerals;

- the occurrence of igneous and metamorphic minerals;

- igneous rocks on geological maps and cross-cutting relations;

- igneous minerals and rock textures;

- classification of igneous rocks

- ultramafic rocks and the mantle

- igneous rocks at oceanic spreading centres;

- igneous rocks at subduction zones;

- igneous rocks in collisional settings;

- igneous rocks in oceanic islands;

- igneous rocks at continental rifts.

- introduction to metamorphism;

- classification of metamorphic rocks;

- regional metamorphic environments;

- contact metamorphic environments;

- metamorphic structures and rock textures

- metamorphism of pelites, calcareous and ultramafic rocks;

- metamorphism of basic igneous rocks;

- metamorphic zones and facies.

- metamorphic rocks on geological maps.


Practical skills

- identification, description and interpretation of igneous and metamorphic textures and mineral assemblages in field, hand specimen, and thin section;

As above, On-line quizzes (10%), and/or practical examination (40%), and/or 1 Exam (50%)

Basic reading:

ELE –http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Web based and electronic resources:

Reading list for this module: