Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Bruce Schaefer bruce.schaefer@mq.edu.au Simon Turner simon.turner@mq.edu.au
Credit points	Credit points 3
Prerequisites	Prerequisites GEOS207 and GEOS272
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description This unit explores the behaviour and evolution of silicate magmas and aqueous fluids in both the crust and mantle. We use examples of mafic/ultramafic and intermediate-silicic magmatic rock associations, and their associated fluids and ore deposits to investigate the geochemistry and petrology of magmatic systems. Such associations are investigated from a deposit to mantle domain scale. Physical attributes of magma-fluid systems and isotopes are considered as exploration and petrogenetic tools. Important ore deposits in sedimentary basins are also considered. Practical work involves integrating geochemical databases with microscopic investigation of key magmatic suites.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

an understanding of the genesis and geochemistry of the major igneous rock suites
a process oriented understanding of the genesis and exploration criteria of the major ore deposit types
an ability to identify the major rock-forming and ore minerals using a petrographic microscope
an ability to recognize and interpret igneous and ore micro-textures
experience in interpreting and modelling geochemical data
understanding scientific methodology and an ability to access, research and assess appropriate scientific information
a capacity to communicate the findings of research through scientific writing

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Due
Practical classes	15%	ongoing
Exam: Theory	45%	TBA
Practical exam	20%	Week 13 (TBC)
Bushveld Complex	10%	18/3/15
Ore Deposits and Geodynamics	10%	6/5/15

Practical classes

Due: ongoing
Weighting: 15%

Practical work to be handed in during the semester, a maximum of 4 will be assessed.

On successful completion you will be able to:

an understanding of the genesis and geochemistry of the major igneous rock suites
a process oriented understanding of the genesis and exploration criteria of the major ore deposit types
an ability to identify the major rock-forming and ore minerals using a petrographic microscope
an ability to recognize and interpret igneous and ore micro-textures
experience in interpreting and modelling geochemical data

Exam: Theory

Due: TBA
Weighting: 45%

End of semester written theory exam

On successful completion you will be able to:

an understanding of the genesis and geochemistry of the major igneous rock suites
a process oriented understanding of the genesis and exploration criteria of the major ore deposit types
experience in interpreting and modelling geochemical data

Practical exam

Due: Week 13 (TBC)
Weighting: 20%

Optical microscopy practical exam

On successful completion you will be able to:

an understanding of the genesis and geochemistry of the major igneous rock suites
an ability to identify the major rock-forming and ore minerals using a petrographic microscope
an ability to recognize and interpret igneous and ore micro-textures

Bushveld Complex

Due: 18/3/15
Weighting: 10%

A number of specific sub-topics are available for each of the broad assignment topics. Included below is the list of topics and recommended starting reading/references. Your assigned topic can be found in the table in the unit guide on iLearn.

Much of your reading for this unit will be from articles in academic journals and chapters of specialist books. These sources will be critical for your individual research projects. While the vast majority of these are available online through the university library (although logging on externally can sometimes be slow and/or problematic), some are available in hard copy only. Therefore plan your access to these resources carefully and obtain photocopies etc for your assignments early. This is particularly the case for ore deposit geology, where some of the journals are:

Economic Geology (QE1.E15)

Mineralium Deposita (QE351.M27)

Ore Geology Reviews (QE390.O74)

Transactions of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy (TN1.I67).

I also have .pdf’s for most of the recommended journal articles for the research assignments which are not available electronically through the library. I will endeavour to put these on iLearn upon request.

Assignment 1. The Bushveld Complex.

Topic 1: Geodynamic setting of the Bushveld Complex

Richardson SH, Shirey SB, 2008. Continental mantle signature of Bushveld magmas and coeval diamonds. NATURE 453: 910-913

Gregoire M, Tinguely C, Bell DR, et al., 2005. Spinel lherzolite xenoliths from the Premier kimberlite (Kaapvaal craton, South Africa): Nature and evolution of the shallow upper mantle beneath the Bushveld complex. LITHOS, 84 (3-4): 185-205

Topic 2: Geochemical evolution of the Bushveld Complex

Cawthorn RG, 2007. Cr and Sr: Keys to parental magmas and processes in the Bushveld Complex, South Africa. LITHOS, 95 v3-4: 381-398.

Lundgaard KL, Tegner C, Cawthorn RG, et al. 2006. Trapped intercumulus liquid in the Main Zone of the eastern Bushveld Complex, South Africa CONTRIBUTIONS TO MINERALOGY AND PETROLOGY, 151: 352-369.

Arndt N, Jenner G, Ohnenstetter M, et al., 2005. Trace elements in the Merensky Reef and adjacent norites Bushveld Complex South Africa, Author(s): MINERALIUM DEPOSITA, 40 (5): 550-575.

Topic 3: Mineralisation within the Bushveld Complex

Naldrett AJ, Wilson A, Kinnaird J, et al., 2009. PGE Tenor and Metal Ratios within and below the Merensky Reef, Bushveld Complex: Implications for its Genesis JOURNAL OF PETROLOGY, 50 (4): 625-659.

Wilson A, Chunnett G, 2006. Trace element and platinum group element distributions and the genesis of the Merensky Reef, western Bushveld Complex, South Africa. JOURNAL OF PETROLOGY, 47 (12): 2369-2403

Topic 4: Magmatic layering in the Bushveld Complex: origin and significance

Tegner C, Cawthorn RG, Kruger FJ, 2006. Cyclicity in the main and upper zones of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa: Crystallization from a zoned magma sheet JOURNAL OF PETROLOGY, 47 (11): 2257-2279

Smith DS, Basson IJ, 2006. Shape and distribution analysis of Merensky Reef potholing, Northam Platinum Mine, western Bushveld Complex: implications for pothole formation and growth MINERALIUM DEPOSITA, 41(3): 281-295

Topic 5: Thermal and structural effects and controls on the emplacement of the Bushveld Complex

Clarke BM, Uken R, Watkeys MK, et al., 2005. Folding of the Rustenburg Layered Suite adjacent to the Steelpoort pericline: implications for syn-Bushveld tectonism in the eastern Bushveld Complex, SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF GEOLOGY 108 (3): 397-412

Clarke B, Uken R, Reinhardt J, 2009. Structural and compositional constraints on the emplacement of the Bushveld Complex, South Africa, LITHOS 111 (1-2): 21-36.

Note that these assignments differ from conventional essays in that they are true research review style articles. As such it is anticipated that your primary reference sources will be peer reviewed scientific literature that is appropriately cited and referenced. Some articles of this nature are included under each topic to get you started. Note that you will be expected to supplement these with at least four extra research articles that you find through your own research. You must use figures to illustrate key concepts.

These are assignments of at least 1000 words and a maximum of 1500 words, and are designed to give you some grounding in the material to be covered in the week they are due to be handed in.

On successful completion you will be able to:

an understanding of the genesis and geochemistry of the major igneous rock suites
understanding scientific methodology and an ability to access, research and assess appropriate scientific information
a capacity to communicate the findings of research through scientific writing

Ore Deposits and Geodynamics

Due: 6/5/15
Weighting: 10%

Economic Geology (QE1.E15)

Mineralium Deposita (QE351.M27)

Ore Geology Reviews (QE390.O74)

Transactions of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy (TN1.I67).

Assignment 2: Geodynamics and ore deposits:

Topic 1: Setting and characteristics of Volcanic Hosted Massive Sulphide (VHMS) deposits

Huston, DL; Stevens, B; Southgate, PN, et al. 2006. Australian Zn-Pb-Ag ore-forming systems: A review and analysis. ECONOMIC GEOLOGY 101 v6: 1117-1157

Saez, R; Pascual, E; Toscano, M, et al., 1999. The Iberian type of volcano-sedimentary massive sulphide deposits. MINERALIUM DEPOSITA 34 v 5-6: 549-570

Galley, AG, 2003. Composite synvolcanic intrusions associated with Precambrian VMS-related hydrothermal systems. MINERALIUM DEPOSITA Volume: 38 v4: 443-473

Topic 2: Setting and characteristics of Sedex (including MVT) deposits

Sangster D F, 1990. Mississippi valley-type and sedex lead-zinc deposits: a comparative examination. Trans. Inst. Mining Metallurgy, B99, 21-42

Tornos, F; Heinrich, CA 2008. Shale basins, sulfur-deficient ore brines and the formation of exhalative base metal deposits CHEMICAL GEOLOGY, 247 (1-2): 195-207

Large, RR; Bull, SW; Cooke, DR, et al., 1998. A genetic model for the HYC deposit, Australia: Based on regional sedimentology, geochemistry, and sulfide-sediment relationships. ECONOMIC GEOLOGY AND THE BULLETIN OF THE SOCIETY OF ECONOMIC GEOLOGISTS, 93 (8): 1345-1368.

Topic 3: Porphyry Cu (±Mo) mineralization: Characteristics and geodynamic controls

Titley, S.R., and Beane, R.E., 1981, Porphyry copper deposits. Part I. Geologic settings, petrology and tectogenesis: Econ. Geol. 75^th Anniversary Vol., p. 214-235.

Beane, R.E., and Titley, S.R., 1981, Porphyry copper deposits. Part II. Hydrothermal alteration and mineralization: Econ. Geol. 75^th Anniversary Vol., p. 235-269.

Seedorff, E; Barton, MD; Stavast, WJA, et al., 2008. Root Zones of Porphyry Systems: Extending the Porphyry Model to Depth ECONOMIC GEOLOGY, 103 (5): 939-956

Proffett, JM., 2009 High Cu grades in porphyry Cu deposits and their relationship to emplacement depth of magmatic sources GEOLOGY, 37 (8): 675-678

Topic 4: Hydrothermal (including Epi- and Mesothermal) ore deposits

Phillips, GN; Powell, R ., 2009. Formation of gold deposits: Review and evaluation of the continuum model. EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS, 94 (1-4): 1-21

Mikucki, EJ., 1998. Hydrothermal transport and depositional processes in Archean lode-gold systems: A review ORE GEOLOGY REVIEWS 13(1-5): 307-321

Kisters, AFM; Meyer, FM; Seravkin, IB, et al., 1999. The geological setting of lode-gold deposits in the central southern Urals: a review. GEOLOGISCHE RUNDSCHAU, 87(4): 603-616

Goldfarb, R.J.; Groves, D.I.; Gardoll, S. Orogenic gold and geologic time: a global synthesis Ore Geology Reviews

Topic 5: Iron Oxide Copper Gold deposits: Features, temporal and spatial controls

HITZMAN, MW; ORESKES, N; EINAUDI, MT., 1992 Geological characteristics and tectonic setting of Proterozoic Iron-Oxide (Cu-U-Au-REE) deposits. PRECAMBRIAN RESEARCH 58 v1-4: 241-287

Bastrakov, EN; Skirrow, RG; Didson, GJ., 2007. Fluid evolution and origins of iron oxide Cu-Au prospects in the Olympic Dam district, Gawler Craton, South Australia, ECONOMIC GEOLOGY, 102 (8): 1415-1440

Skirrow, RG; Bastrakov, EN; Baroncii, K, et al., 2007. Timing of iron oxide Cu-Au-(U) hydrothermal activity and Nd isotope constraints on metal sources in the Gawler craton, South Australia, ECONOMIC GEOLOGY, 102 (8): 1441-1470.

Belperio, A; Flint, R; Freeman, H., 2007. Prominent Hill: A hematite-dominated, iron oxide copper-gold system ECONOMIC GEOLOGY, 102 (8): 1499-1510

These are assignments of at least 1000 words and a maximum of 1500 words, and are designed to give you some grounding in the material to be covered in the week they are due to be handed in.

On successful completion you will be able to:

a process oriented understanding of the genesis and exploration criteria of the major ore deposit types
understanding scientific methodology and an ability to access, research and assess appropriate scientific information
a capacity to communicate the findings of research through scientific writing

Delivery and Resources

You are required to attend 2 lectures and 1 practical session per week. Both sessions will be held in E5A 210. Scheduled times are:

Lectures: Wednesday 11am-1 pm

Practicals: Wednesday 3–6 pm

However we may be able to shift things around on this day to make more convenient times for everybody.

The iLearn site is the main source of resources for this unit.

Unit Schedule

Provisional unit timetable for GEOS343, Semester 1, 2015; All classes in E5A210

Week	Lectures	Practical	Presenter
1 25/2	Nomenclature, tectonic associations; chemistry and mineralogy refresher	Petrology refresher, volcanic rocks	BFS
2 4/3	i) Phase equilibria, melting processes; ii) Binary and Ternary systems	Bushveld I: Mineralogy, textures, macroscopic layering	SPT
3 11/3	Geochemistry: i) Major elements ii) Trace elements	Bushveld II: Textural relationships; petrogenetic sequences, liquid line of descent and binary phase diagrams	SPT
4 18/3	i) Origin of basaltic magma ii) Diversification of magmas 1^st assignment due (Bushveld)	Major element modelling; inflections due to modal mineralogy changes	MT/SPT
5 25/3	Volcanology	Volcanic rocks; alkalic systems	SPT computing prac
Mid semester Break (3/4 – 20/4 2015)
6 22/4	Island Arc Magmatism	Bulk mixing, discriminating between mixing vs AFC, isochron	CF/SPT computing prac
7 29/4	Basaltic magmatism in ocean basins i) MORB ii) OIB iii) LIPs and CFBs	Primary magma compositions (chilled compositions) Forward and inverse melt modelling	SPT computing prac
8 6/5	Principles of ore petrogenesis; S saturation, differentiation, accumulation, phase equilibria (redox) 2nd assignment due (Geodynamics and ore deposits)	Bushveld III: Reflected light microscopy; textures, mineralogy, chemical compositions	BFS
9 13/5	Mineralising processes: BIFs, hydrothermal systems, placers, redox (U), regolith	Hand specimens, mineralogy, reflected light of examples	BFS
10 20/5	Granites, I, S, A, crustal growth and evolution, skarns; sedimentary provenance, detrital systems	Crustal mass balance, granite petrogenesis from TS and hand specs	BFS
11 27/5	Isotopes in magmatic and ore forming systems: Stable, cosmogenic, U-series,	Isotope geodynamics prac	BFS
12 3/6	Solar system and planet formation, atmospheric formation and evolution, meteorites		BFS/guest lecturers from ANU
13 10/6	Review Lecture	Practical Exam (TBC)

BFS: Bruce Schaefer, SPT: Simon Turner; MT: Michael Turner, CF: Chris Firth

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

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Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

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Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

an understanding of the genesis and geochemistry of the major igneous rock suites
a process oriented understanding of the genesis and exploration criteria of the major ore deposit types
an ability to recognize and interpret igneous and ore micro-textures

Assessment tasks

Practical classes
Exam: Theory
Practical exam
Bushveld Complex
Ore Deposits and Geodynamics

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

an understanding of the genesis and geochemistry of the major igneous rock suites
a process oriented understanding of the genesis and exploration criteria of the major ore deposit types
an ability to identify the major rock-forming and ore minerals using a petrographic microscope
an ability to recognize and interpret igneous and ore micro-textures
understanding scientific methodology and an ability to access, research and assess appropriate scientific information
a capacity to communicate the findings of research through scientific writing

Assessment tasks

Exam: Theory
Practical exam
Bushveld Complex
Ore Deposits and Geodynamics

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

an understanding of the genesis and geochemistry of the major igneous rock suites
a process oriented understanding of the genesis and exploration criteria of the major ore deposit types
an ability to recognize and interpret igneous and ore micro-textures
understanding scientific methodology and an ability to access, research and assess appropriate scientific information
a capacity to communicate the findings of research through scientific writing

Assessment tasks

Practical classes
Exam: Theory
Practical exam
Bushveld Complex
Ore Deposits and Geodynamics

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

an understanding of the genesis and geochemistry of the major igneous rock suites
a process oriented understanding of the genesis and exploration criteria of the major ore deposit types
an ability to identify the major rock-forming and ore minerals using a petrographic microscope
an ability to recognize and interpret igneous and ore micro-textures
experience in interpreting and modelling geochemical data

Assessment tasks

Practical classes
Exam: Theory
Practical exam
Bushveld Complex
Ore Deposits and Geodynamics

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

an understanding of the genesis and geochemistry of the major igneous rock suites
a process oriented understanding of the genesis and exploration criteria of the major ore deposit types
an ability to identify the major rock-forming and ore minerals using a petrographic microscope
an ability to recognize and interpret igneous and ore micro-textures
experience in interpreting and modelling geochemical data

Assessment tasks

Practical classes
Exam: Theory
Practical exam
Bushveld Complex
Ore Deposits and Geodynamics

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

an understanding of the genesis and geochemistry of the major igneous rock suites
a process oriented understanding of the genesis and exploration criteria of the major ore deposit types
an ability to identify the major rock-forming and ore minerals using a petrographic microscope
an ability to recognize and interpret igneous and ore micro-textures
experience in interpreting and modelling geochemical data

Assessment tasks

Practical classes
Exam: Theory
Practical exam
Bushveld Complex
Ore Deposits and Geodynamics

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

a process oriented understanding of the genesis and exploration criteria of the major ore deposit types
an ability to identify the major rock-forming and ore minerals using a petrographic microscope
an ability to recognize and interpret igneous and ore micro-textures
understanding scientific methodology and an ability to access, research and assess appropriate scientific information
a capacity to communicate the findings of research through scientific writing

Assessment tasks

Practical classes
Exam: Theory
Practical exam
Bushveld Complex
Ore Deposits and Geodynamics

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

a process oriented understanding of the genesis and exploration criteria of the major ore deposit types
understanding scientific methodology and an ability to access, research and assess appropriate scientific information
a capacity to communicate the findings of research through scientific writing

Assessment tasks

Bushveld Complex
Ore Deposits and Geodynamics

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

a process oriented understanding of the genesis and exploration criteria of the major ore deposit types
understanding scientific methodology and an ability to access, research and assess appropriate scientific information
a capacity to communicate the findings of research through scientific writing

Assessment tasks

Bushveld Complex
Ore Deposits and Geodynamics