Students

GEOS707 – From Microstructures to Plate Tectonics

2016 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Co-convener
Nathan Daczko
Contact via nathan.daczko@mq.edu.au
E7A509
Unit Convenor
Sandra Piazolo
Contact via sandra.piazolo@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MRes and GEOS207
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This course aims to give the student an in-depth knowledge of how to document, analyse and interpret microstructures in thin section with special emphasis on deformation and metamorphic microstructures. In addition, it gives an overview over the rheological behaviour of different minerals at variable conditions and provides the link between microstructure and rheology. Furthermore, the student will learn to recognize equilibrium and non-equilibrium metamorphic microstructures and calculate PT conditions from mineral chemistry data. The course comprises lectures, practicals and directed reading, which form the basis for two assessable oral presentations, and two individual projects.

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:

  • Recognize a large variety of deformation and metamorphic microstructures
  • Quantitatively record and analyse deformation and metamorphic microstructures
  • Relate microstructures to the rheology and history of the specimen analysed
  • Interpret microstructures in terms of possible geodynamic settings
  • Understand and describe accurately the basics principles of phase equilibria, metamorphic textures and reaction textures
  • Understand the basics of tools such as numerical modelling, EBSD analysis, thermodynamic modelling and image analysis

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Thinsection Description I 15% April 12th
Thinsection Description II 15% April 12th
Pseudosections 20% 29 April 2014
Project 50% 13 May 2014

Thinsection Description I

Due: April 12th
Weighting: 15%

 

These will be small topic-based presentations 5-10 min on initial practical work describing microstructures and their interpretation.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognize a large variety of deformation and metamorphic microstructures
  • Quantitatively record and analyse deformation and metamorphic microstructures
  • Relate microstructures to the rheology and history of the specimen analysed
  • Interpret microstructures in terms of possible geodynamic settings

Thinsection Description II

Due: April 12th
Weighting: 15%

 

These will be small topic-based presentations 5-10 min on second part of practical work.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognize a large variety of deformation and metamorphic microstructures
  • Quantitatively record and analyse deformation and metamorphic microstructures
  • Relate microstructures to the rheology and history of the specimen analysed

Pseudosections

Due: 29 April 2014
Weighting: 20%

Presentation of calculated Pseudosections which is part of the Thermodynamics Part of the course


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand and describe accurately the basics principles of phase equilibria, metamorphic textures and reaction textures
  • Understand the basics of tools such as numerical modelling, EBSD analysis, thermodynamic modelling and image analysis

Project

Due: 13 May 2014
Weighting: 50%

 

Each student will undertake a detailed analysis (image analysis, chemical analysis, EBSD etc.) of one to two thinsections. Each student will write a report about the findings of the analysis and give a presentation of those findings in form of a scientific paper. This could be also a “warm-up” for a potential Masters Project (year 2 of MRes)


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Recognize a large variety of deformation and metamorphic microstructures
  • Relate microstructures to the rheology and history of the specimen analysed
  • Interpret microstructures in terms of possible geodynamic settings
  • Understand and describe accurately the basics principles of phase equilibria, metamorphic textures and reaction textures
  • Understand the basics of tools such as numerical modelling, EBSD analysis, thermodynamic modelling and image analysis

Delivery and Resources

 

Textbook, Webpages and Technology Used.

 

The textbooks for the unit are

 

A Practical Guide to Rock Microstructure. Vernon, R.H. 2004.

 

Microtectonics. Passchier & Trouw, 2005.

 

Rheology of the Earth. Ranalli, G., 1995.

 

Metamorphic phase modeling software - Thermocalc: http://www.metamorph.geo.uni-mainz.de/thermocalc/

 

Elle Microstructure Modelling software - http://www.materialsknowledge.org/elle/

 

Deformation Microstructure Course - http://virtualexplorer.com.au/special/meansvolume/contribs/jessell/index.html

 

Image Analysis Program (for Mac) NIH Image - http://rsb.info.nih.gov/nih-image/about.html

 

Image Analysis Program (for PC) Image J - http://rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/

Unit Schedule

Microstructures to Plate tectonics: S Piazolo and N. Daczko
Date Weekday Time Location Lectures (all recorded in 2013) *Listen to recorded lecture only (no live performance) Practicals / Laboratory work Readings / Online EBSD course / Online Thermocalc course
2-Mar Mo 2.00-4.00 E5A 210 SPLect 1a: Intro to Rheology     Ranalli: chapter 1, chapter 2, chapter 3
5-Mar Thurs 9.00-11.00 E5A 210 SPLect 1b: The atomic basis for deformation mechanisms   Ranalli: chapter 9.1&9.3, Passchier and Trouw
    12.00-2.00   SPLect 2a &: Rheology concepts II & Annealing mechansims, Dynamic recrystallization,  and dislocation creep   Ranalli: Passchier and Trouw, chapter 1- 3,  9.1&9.4
9-Mar Mo 2.00-4.00 E5A 210   Optical Microscopy (microstructures), Exercise 1 (paper), Define first presentation topics  
    4.00-5.00   *NDLect 1: How the microscope works    
12-Mar Thurs 9.00-10.00 E5A 210 SPLect 3a: Rheology Concepts III   Ranalli: chapter 9.1&9.3
    10.00-11.00 E5A 210 *SPLect 3b: shear sense indictators, CPO   Passchier and Trouw 4.13, 5
    11.00-2.00 E5A 210   Optical Microscopy (microstructures), Exercise 2 (paper), First presentations (5 min)  
16-Mar Mo 2.00-4.00 E5A 210 SPLect 4a & 4b: Rheology Concepts IV - diffusion, metamorphism and deformation   Passchier and Trouw 
    4.00-5.00 E5A 210   Optical Microscopy (microstructures), Exercise 3 (paper), Define second presentation topics  
19-Mar Thurs 9.00-11.00 E5A 210 SPLect 5: Rheology Concepts V (summary) - dissolution precipitation, fringes, veins   Passchier and Trouw 
    11.00-2.00 E5A 210   Optical Microscopy (microstructures), Second presentations (5 min)  
23-Mar Mo 2.00-3.00 E5A 210   Discuss SEM/EBSD/Thermocalc Projects, install EBSD program (BRING laptops to install program)  
    3.00-5.00 E5A 210 *SPLect 6A/B/C: Bringing it all together & deformation mechanisms in different minerals, gb hierarchy   Passchier and Trouw 
26-Mar Thurs 9.00-11.00 E5A 210   Optical Microscopy (microstructures) Passchier and Trouw 
    11.00-2.00 E5A 210 EBSD course EBSD & Thermocalc courses; Questions about projects  
28th March - 25th April          Sandra away  
30-Mar Mo 2.00-5.00 E5A 210 EBSD course (to be handed in 6th April - to Nathan)    
2-Apr Thurs 9.00-10.00 E5A 210 *NDLect 2: Mineral assemblages, phase diagrams, P-T grids, pseudosections and compatibility diagrams   Powell, 1978: Chapters 1 & 2
    10:00-11:00 E5A 210 *NDLect 3:  Changes to mineral assemblages, modes and mineral chemistry   Powell, R. & Holland, T.J.B., 2008. On thermobarometry. Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 26, 155–179.
    11.00-2.00 E5A 210 *NDLect 4: Heterogeneity in metamorphic rocks, equilibrium volume and reaction textures Define Third presentation (10 min Thermocalc) EBSD & Thermocalc courses; Questions about projects
6-Apr Mo 2.00-3.00 E5A 210 *SPLect 7: TechniquesI I:  Numerical Simulations - overview and ELLE    
    3.00-5.00 E5A 210 *SPLect 8: Techniques II: Analog Modelling and Image analysis (SPO) Finish Optical Microscopy (microstructures) Passchier and Trouw 
9-Apr Thurs 9.00-11.00 E5A 210   Thermocalc Practical Holland, TJB, & Powell, R, 1998. An internally-consistent thermodynamic dataset for phases of petrological interest. Journal of Metamorphic Geology 16, 309–344.
    11:00-12:00 E5A 210 *NDLect 5: Compositional zoning, solid solution and chemical diffusion    
    12.00-1.00 E5A 210 *NDLect 6: Fluids, open vs closed systems and retrogression    
16-Apr Thurs 9.00-11.00 E5A 210 NDLect 7: Metamorphic Microstructures Thermocalc Practical Holland, TJB, & Powell, R, 1998. An internally-consistent thermodynamic dataset for phases of petrological interest. Journal of Metamorphic Geology 16, 309–344.
    11:00-12:00 E5A 210 NDLect 8: Microstructure of Deformed rocks    
    12.00-2.00 E5A 210   Optical Microscopy (metamorphic textures)  
20-Apr Mo 2.00-5.00 E5A 210   Optical Microscopy (metamorphic textures)  
23-Apr Thurs 9.00-10.00 E5A 210   Thermocalc project  
30-Apr Thurs 9.00-10.00 E5A 210   Thermocalc Presentations Submit Thermocalc exercise
    10:00-11:00     Discuss timing projects etc.  
4/05/2015 Mo 9-5:00 SEM booked group I    
7/05/2015 Thurs 9-5:00 SEM booked group II    
11/05/2015 Mo 5:00 PM   project due group I    
14/05/2015 Thurs 5:00 PM   project due group II    
Thinsections:   Please leave in E5A 210 in allocated box - so everybody can look at them. If you need photos, go to E5A 210 when there is no classes, or you can go to the office next door (Nigels  office, ask PhD students for entrance / how to work things    
             
    * audio lectures        

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

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

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

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.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.

 

Extensions and Penalties:

Whenever possible requests for an extension should be submitted prior to an assignment’s due date. Late assignments will be date stamped and a penalty of 10% initially and then 5% per day (Monday to Friday) will be deducted from the total mark.

 Academic Honesty and Plagiarism

Plagiarism involves using the work of another person and presenting it as one’s own. If you use the work of another person without clearly stating or acknowledging the source, you are falsely claiming that material as your own work and committing an act of PLAGIARISM. This is a very serious violation of good practice and an offence for which you will be penalised. You should read the University's policies and procedures on plagiarism. These can be found at: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html  

The policies and procedures explain what plagiarism is, how to avoid it, the procedures taken in cases of suspected plagiarism, and the penalties if you are found guilty. Penalties may include a deduction of marks, failure in the unit, and/or referral to the University Discipline Committee.

 

As such, the project assignment must have a signed “Faculty of Science” (FoS) assignment cover sheet attached. These sheets are available from the Science centre or from the FoS WEB page.

 

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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.

Student Services and Support

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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For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

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Graduate Capabilities

PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Assessment tasks

  • Thinsection Description II
  • Pseudosections
  • Project

PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills

Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Recognize a large variety of deformation and metamorphic microstructures
  • Quantitatively record and analyse deformation and metamorphic microstructures
  • Relate microstructures to the rheology and history of the specimen analysed
  • Interpret microstructures in terms of possible geodynamic settings
  • Understand and describe accurately the basics principles of phase equilibria, metamorphic textures and reaction textures
  • Understand the basics of tools such as numerical modelling, EBSD analysis, thermodynamic modelling and image analysis

Assessment tasks

  • Thinsection Description I
  • Thinsection Description II
  • Pseudosections
  • Project

PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Recognize a large variety of deformation and metamorphic microstructures
  • Quantitatively record and analyse deformation and metamorphic microstructures
  • Relate microstructures to the rheology and history of the specimen analysed
  • Interpret microstructures in terms of possible geodynamic settings
  • Understand and describe accurately the basics principles of phase equilibria, metamorphic textures and reaction textures

Assessment tasks

  • Thinsection Description I
  • Thinsection Description II
  • Pseudosections

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Recognize a large variety of deformation and metamorphic microstructures
  • Quantitatively record and analyse deformation and metamorphic microstructures
  • Relate microstructures to the rheology and history of the specimen analysed
  • Interpret microstructures in terms of possible geodynamic settings
  • Understand and describe accurately the basics principles of phase equilibria, metamorphic textures and reaction textures
  • Understand the basics of tools such as numerical modelling, EBSD analysis, thermodynamic modelling and image analysis

Assessment tasks

  • Thinsection Description I
  • Thinsection Description II
  • Pseudosections
  • Project

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Understand and describe accurately the basics principles of phase equilibria, metamorphic textures and reaction textures

Assessment tasks

  • Thinsection Description I
  • Thinsection Description II
  • Pseudosections
  • Project