Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2023

Earth Sciences Master

Major in Geology

Compulsory Module in Analytical Methods in Earth Sciences

Students have to complete 6 credits in part A, and 6 credits in part B.

Part A: Microscopy Courses

Number

Title

Type

ECTS

Hours

Lecturers

651-4045-00L

Microscopy of Metamorphic Rocks

W+

2 credits

A. Galli

Abstract

Repetition of methods using optic properties of crystals and the polarising microscope.
Identification of minerals and metamorphic parageneses.
Description and interpretation of microstructures.
Age relationship of crystallisation and deformation.
Estimation of metamorphic grade.

Learning objective

- Advanced knowledge in optical mineralogy
- Application of methods to determine minerals in thin sections
- Identification and characterisation of metamorphic minerals
- Description of rocks. Derive correct petrographic rock name, based on modal abundance and microstructure/texture
- Interpretation of rock fabric/microstructure, parageneses and mineral reactions

Content

- Repetition of principal optical properties and of microscopic methods to identify minerals. Emphasis on interpretation of interference figures.
- Study typical metamorphic rocks in thin sections
- Description and interpretation of parageneses and texture/microstructures. Study the age relationship of crystallisation and deformation.
- Estimation of metamorphic grade
- Quantification: To determine volume percentage of rock components
- Scientific documentation: Descriptions, drawings, photomicrography using different kinds of illumination and using plane- or circular-polarised light.

Lecture notes

handouts with additional information on theory and for exercises, in English.
To brush up knowledge in optical mineralogy read the relevant chapters in the book of W.D. Nesse (2004).

Literature

- Nesse, W.D.: Introduction to optical mineralogy. 3. Ed. (2004). Figures from this book will be used in lectures. Besides the theory, this book describes all optical properties of important minerals. Petrographers working on varying types of silicate rocks should have a look at this book.
-Yardley, B.W.D., Mackenzie, W.S. und Guilford, C. (1990): Atlas of metamorphic rocks and their textures. Longman Scientific. With nice pictures.
Also available in the D-ERDW library, NO building, on D-floor.
- Vernon, R.H. (2004): A practical guide to rock microstructures. Cambridge Univ. Press. 594 pages. Includes color photos and a glossary.

Prerequisites / Notice

Number of participants 24.
Participants should have basic knowledge in crystallography, mineralogy and petrology, and have taken practical courses in microscopy of thin sections, as well as lectures in metamorphic petrology and structural geology!

Other microscopy courses at department D-ERDW are on:
- magmatic rocks, following this course in second half of semester (P. Ulmer, IGP; Inst. for Geochemistry and Petrology)
- sedimentary rocks (Geol. Institute)
- ore minerals (reflected light microscopy, Th. Driesner, IGP)
- microstructures, deformed rocks (Geol. Institute)

651-4047-00L

Microscopy of Magmatic Rocks

W+

2 credits

R.‑G. Popa

Abstract

This course provides practical knowledge in magmatic microscopy. It includes the identification of common igneous minerals in thin section and in crystal separates, but also aims at providing a deeper understanding of mineral equilibrium assemblages and disequilibrium textures. These are useful skills in studying magmatic processes and reconstructing igneous conditions.

Learning objective

The main objectives are to acquire expertise in:

(1) Optical determination of minerals in igneous rocks;
(2) Identification of igneous rocks and their emplacement history based on mineralogy, structure and texture;
(3) Identifying the igneous processes that are revealed by the rock record, and understanding how to use the minerals to reconstruct magma chamber physical-chemical conditions;
(4) Application of phase diagrams to natural rocks.

Content

In this class, we’ll look together at how to identify plutonic and volcanic rocks and at what their minerals and textures can tell us about the igneous conditions and styles of eruption. We’ll follow different magmatic lines of descent to understand the evolution of magmas formed in different conditions and tectonic settings, focusing on the tholeiitic, calc-alkaline and alkaline series. We’ll look at how magmatic conditions affect the order of crystallization and the chemistry of minerals, and how we can use this knowledge to reconstruct magmatic processes. We’ll learn about equilibrium assemblages, which allow us to see which minerals grew together and record the same magmatic conditions (this is key for petrology and mineral geochemistry), but we’ll also learn to interpret disequilibrium textures, which relate to processes commonly responsible for volcanic eruptions.

The plan is to equip the participants of the course with a basic understanding of what we need to look for in the mineral and textural record of igneous rocks, of how to identify those features and how to use them correctly when studying magmatic systems.

Lecture notes

For the optical determination of (igneous) minerals using the polarizing microscope, the tables of Tröger ('Optische Bestimmung der gesteinsbildenden Minerale', Optical determination of rock-forming minerals, 1982) are particularly useful. These are available in sufficient number in the class room.

Additional notes will be distributed during the lectures.

Literature

During the class, we’ll provide or suggest key papers to read.

Prerequisites / Notice

This class requires basic knowledge of optical mineralogy and the use of the polarizing microscope, which is taught in the previous class: ‘Microscopy of metamorphic rocks’ (A. Galli). For external students, an equivalent course is required to follow this practical course.
Delivering 3 acceptably solved homework assignments results in an increase of the final grade by 0.25 (in other words, we give goodies).

Other microscope courses taught at ETH Zürich at the D-ERDW are:
Basics of optical mineralogy and petrography (M.W. Schmidt, BSc-course in German)
Microscopy of metamorphic rocks (A. Galli, prerequisite for this course)
Sedimentary petrography and microscopy (V. Picotti & M.G. Fellin)
Reflected Light Microscopy and Ore Deposits Practical (T. Driesner)

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	fostered
	Problem-solving	fostered
Personal Competencies	Creative Thinking	fostered
	Critical Thinking	fostered

651-4051-00L

Reflected Light Microscopy and Ore Deposits Practical

W+

2 credits

T. Driesner

Abstract

Introduction to reflected light microscopy. Use of the microscope. Identification of opaque minerals through the use of determination tables. Description of textures and paragenetic sequences.
Taking the course in parallel with Ore Deposits I (651-4037-00L) is recommended but not mandatory.

Learning objective

Recognition of the most important ore minerals in polished section, interpretation of ore mineral textures from important ore deposit types (of hydrothermal, magmatic, sedimentary and metamorphic origin) in geological context.

Content

Introduction to reflected light microscopy as a petrographic technique. Leaning main diagnostic criteria. Study of a small selection of important and characteristic ore minerals. Interpreting polished (thin) sections from the most important ore deposit types.

Lecture notes

Lecture ppt's and determination tables are handed out in class

Literature

Spry, P.G., Gedlinske, B.L. (1987) Tables for the determination of common opaque minerals. Econ. Geol. Publishing Company, New Haven, 52 pp.
(Hands on table book with optical and other properties of most important ore minerals in reflected light. Reprints can be still obtained from the SEG online bookstore. Copies of this book will be used in the course throughout.)

Craig, J.R., Vaughan, D.J. (1994) Ore microscopy and ore petrography. Second edition, John Wiley Publisher, New York, 434 pp.
Good graduate level introductory textbook, covers principles of reflected-light microscopy, interpretation of ore textures and most common ore mineral assemblages. Still available.

---

Baumann, L. and Leeder, O. (1991) Einführung in die Auflichtmikroskopie. Deutscher Verlag für Grundstoffindustrie, Leipzig, 408 pp. (in german).
(Good german equivalent of the Craig & Vaughan book.)

Cabri, L.J., Vaughan, D.J. (1998) Modern approaches to ore and environmental mineralogy. Mineralogical Association of Canada, Short Course Series, v. 27, 421 pp.
(Advances series of papers linking classical microscopical techniques with modern state-of-the-art microanalytical approaches (LA-ICP-MS, SIMS, PIXE etc.))

Mücke, A. (1989) Anleitung zur Erzmikroskopie. Enke, Stuttgart, 187 pp. (in german)
(The technical part is a good german equivalent of Craigh & Vaughan while the sections on textures and their interpretation is much less systematic.)

Ramdohr, P. (1980) The ore minerals and their intergrowths. Vols. 1 and 2, Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1207 pp.
(Largest monograph about ore minerals and their textures, excellent reference book for assemblages and textures, but not useful for determination of common and typical minerals, interpretation of textures often outdated. Only available in the library.)

Pracejus, B. (2008) The ore minerals under the microscope. An optical guide. Atlases in Geosciences 3, Elsevier, 875 pp.
(Comprehensive collection of photomicrographs of ore minerals in reflected light. Not very helpful for determination purposes but instructive for comparison with own samples.)

Uytebogaart, W., Burke, E.A.J. (1971) Tables for microscopic identification of ore minerals. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 430 pp.
(Extensive and well organized tables for practical determination of common and less abundant ore minerals. Only available in the library.)

Prerequisites / Notice

Credits and mark based onan independent description of one selected polished section at the end of the course

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	fostered
	Problem-solving	fostered
Personal Competencies	Creative Thinking	fostered
	Critical Thinking	fostered

651-4113-00L

Sedimentary Petrography and Microscopy

W+

2 credits

V. Picotti, M. G. Fellin

Abstract

Microscopy of carbonate (1st half of semester) and sliciclastic rocks (2nd half) rocks as well as siliceous, phosphatic and evaporitic sediements.

Learning objective

Description of grains and cement/matrix, texture, classification of the main sedimentary rocks. Discussion and interpretation of the environment of sedimentation. Diagenetic Processes.

Content

Microscopy of carbonate and siliciclastic rocks, siliceous and phosphatic rocks, their origin and classification. Diagenesis.

Lecture notes

English textbooks recommended

Literature

Tucker, M.E. (2001): Sedimentary Petrology-An introduction to the Origin of Sedimentary Rocks, 3rd Editition. Blackwell Science Ltd., Oxford, 262 p.

Prerequisites / Notice

The earlier attendance of other MSc microscopy courses (e.g. magmatic and metamorphic rocks) is not required if during the BSc a general course on microscopy of rocks was completed.

Part B: Methods

Number

Title

Type

ECTS

Hours

Lecturers

651-4055-00L

Analytical Methods in Petrology and Geology

W+

3 credits

J. Allaz, S. Bernasconi, M. Guillong, L. Zehnder

Abstract

Practical work in analytical chemistry for Earth science students.

Learning objective

Knowledge of some analytical methods used in Earth sciences, introduction to data interpretation, writing of a scientific report.

Content

Introduction to analytical geochemistry and atom physics, notably:
- X-ray diffraction (XRD),
- X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF),
- Electron Probe Microanalyzer (EPMA),
- Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS),
- Mass spectroscopy for light isotopes.

Lecture notes

Short handouts for each analytical method.

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Techniques and Technologies	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Problem-solving	assessed
	Project Management	assessed
Social Competencies	Cooperation and Teamwork	assessed
Personal Competencies	Creative Thinking	assessed
	Critical Thinking	assessed
	Integrity and Work Ethics	assessed
	Self-direction and Self-management	assessed

651-4117-00L

Sediment Analysis

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the MSc-course "Sedimentology I" (651-4041-00L).

W+

3 credits

M. G. Fellin, A. Gilli, V. Picotti

Abstract

Theoretical background and application of some basic methods for sediment analysis.

Learning objective

The main goal is to learn how to apply the analysis of the texture and grain-size of sediments to constrain the sedimentary processes and environments.

Content

A one-day fieldtrip to a local outcrop to learn how to describe sediments in the field and to collect samples for grain-size and compositional analysis. Application of the same analytical techniques on samples of unknown origin: the sampling sites will be revealed at the end of the course. Discussion of the theoretical background and of the results in class. At the end of the course, the student will have to hand in a report with the presentation and discussion of all the data produced during the course.

Lecture notes

For the various analytical methods English texts will be provided in class.

Literature

Introduction to clastic sedimentology. R.J. Cheel, Brock University

Prerequisites / Notice

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the MSc-course "Sedimentology I" (651-4041-00L).

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Problem-solving	fostered
Social Competencies	Cooperation and Teamwork	fostered
Personal Competencies	Creative Thinking	fostered
	Critical Thinking	fostered

651-0046-00L

Electron Microscopy Course (SEM and EPMA)

W+

3 credits

J. Allaz, L. Grafulha Morales

Abstract

Theory and lab demo of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron microprobe analysis (EPMA) applied to geological materials: introduction to the instruments, interaction of electron with matter, electron imaging (SE, BSE, CL), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), X-ray analysis for the chemical characterisation of solid material at the micron-scale.

Learning objective

Understand how the instrument works, why it is used, and how the different signals are being generated and analysed. Ability to treat and to present analytical results, such as calculating a mineral formula from a mineral analysis.

Content

Physical principles of electron microscopy: electron optics, interaction of electrons with matter, production of X-rays, interaction of X-rays with matter, X-rays detection and analysis. The second part of the course includes several demonstrations on various SEMs (at ERDW and ScopeM) and one EPMA at DERDW.

Lecture notes

Script will be provided, along with copies of the course presentations.

Literature

[HIGHLY recommended]
- Goldstein, J.I. et al., (2003, third ed.): Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4615-0215-9

[Additional references]
- Reed, S.J.B. (2005, second ed.): Electron Microprobe Analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy in Geology.
- Reed S.J.B. (1993, second ed.): Electron Microprobe Analysis
- Anderson, C.A. (1973): Microprobe Analysis. Wiley & Sons, New York.

Prerequisites / Notice

No prerequisite required beside basic knowledge of petrology and mineralogy. Attending the "Analytical Methods in Geology and Petrology" prior to this course is an advantage.

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Techniques and Technologies	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Decision-making	assessed
	Problem-solving	assessed
	Project Management	assessed
Social Competencies	Cooperation and Teamwork	assessed
Personal Competencies	Creative Thinking	assessed
	Critical Thinking	assessed

651-4063-00L

X-Ray Powder Diffraction

W+

3 credits

M. Plötze

Abstract

In the course the students learn to measure X-ray diffraction patterns of minerals and to evaluate these using different software for qualitative and quantitative mineral composition as well as crystallographic parameters.

Learning objective

Upon successful completion of this course students are able to:
- describe the principle of X-ray diffraction analysis
- carry out a qualitative and quantitative mineralogical analysis independently,
- critically assess the data,
- communicate the results in a scientific report.

The competencies of system understanding, concept development, and measurement methods are taught and examined.

Content

Fundamental principles of X-ray diffraction
Setup and operation of X-ray diffractometers
Interpretation of powder diffraction data
Qualitative and quantitative phase analysis of crystalline powders (e.g. with Rietveld analysis)

Lecture notes

Selected handouts will be made available in the lecture

Literature

BRINDLEY G.W. and BROWN G. (ed) Crystal structures of clay minerals and their X-ray identification. London : Mineralogical Society monograph no. 5 (1984)
(Link)
DINNEBIER, R.E. et al.: Powder Diffraction. Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, 2008.
(http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/eBook/978-0-85404-231-9)
PECHARSKY, V.K. and ZAVALIJ, P.Y: Fundamentals of Powder Diffraction and Structural Characterization of Materials. Springer, 2009.
(https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-0-387-09579-0?page=2#toc)

Prerequisites / Notice

The course includes a high portion of practical exercises in sample preparation as well as measurement and evaluation of X-ray powder diffraction data.
Own sample will be analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Knowledge in mineralogy of this system is essential.
Software will be provided for future use on own Laptop.

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Decision-making	fostered
	Media and Digital Technologies	assessed
	Problem-solving	fostered
	Project Management	fostered
Social Competencies	Communication	assessed
	Cooperation and Teamwork	assessed
	Customer Orientation	fostered
	Leadership and Responsibility	fostered
	Self-presentation and Social Influence	fostered
	Sensitivity to Diversity	fostered
	Negotiation	fostered
Personal Competencies	Adaptability and Flexibility	fostered
	Creative Thinking	assessed
	Critical Thinking	assessed
	Integrity and Work Ethics	fostered
	Self-awareness and Self-reflection	fostered
	Self-direction and Self-management	fostered

Restricted Choice Modules Geology

A minimum of two restricted choice modules must be completed for the major Geology.

Biogeochemistry

Biogeochemistry: Compulsory Courses

The compulsory courses of the module take place in spring semester.

Biogeochemistry: Courses of Choice

Number

Title

Type

ECTS

Hours

Lecturers

651-4043-00L

Sedimentology II: Biological and Chemical Processes in Lacustrine and Marine Systems

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the MSc-course "Sedimentology I" (651-4041-00L).

3 credits

V. Picotti, A. Gilli, H. Stoll, H. Zhang

Abstract

The course will focus on biological amd chemical aspects of sedimentation in marine environments. Marine sedimentation will be traced from coast to deep-sea. The use of stable isotopes palaeoceanography will be discussed. Neritic, hemipelagic and pelagic sediments will be used as proxies for environmental change during times of major perturbations of climate and oceanography.

Learning objective

-You will understand chemistry and biology of the marine carbonate system
-You will be able to relate carbonate mineralogy with facies and environmental conditions
-You will be familiar with cool-water and warm-water carbonates
-You will see carbonate and organic-carbon rich sediments as part of the global carbon cycle
-You will be able to recognize links between climate and marine carbonate systems (e.g. acidification of oceans and reef growth)
-You will be able to use geological archives as source of information on global change
-You will have an overview of marine sedimentation through time

Content

-carbonates,: chemistry, mineralogy, biology
-carbonate sedimentation from the shelf to the deep sea
-carbonate facies
-cool-water and warm-water carbonates
-organic-carbon and black shales
-C-cycle, carbonates, Corg : CO2 sources and sink
-Carbonates: their geochemical proxies for environmental change: stable isotopes, Mg/Ca, Sr
-marine sediments thorugh geological time
-carbonates and evaporites
-lacustrine carbonates
-economic aspects of limestone

Lecture notes

no script. scientific articles will be distributed during the course

Literature

We will read and critically discuss scientific articles relevant for "biological and chemical processes in marine and lacustrine systems"

Prerequisites / Notice

The grading of students is based on in-class exercises and end-semester examination.

651-4057-00L

Climate History and Palaeoclimatology

4 credits

H. Stoll, H. Zhang

Abstract

Climate history and paleoclimatology explores how the major features of the earth's climate system have varied in the past, and the driving forces and feedbacks for these changes. The major topics include the earth's CO2 concentration and mean temperature, the size and stability of ice sheets and sea level, the amount and distribution of precipitation, and the ocean heat transport.

Learning objective

The student will be able to describe the natural factors lead to variations in the earth's mean temperature, the growth and retreat of ice sheets, and variations in ocean and atmospheric circulation patterns, including feedback processes. Students will be able to interpret evidence of past climate changes from the main climate indicators or proxies recovered in geological records. Students will be able to use data from climate proxies to test if a given hypothesized mechanism for the climate change is supported or refuted. Students will be able to compare the magnitudes and rates of past changes in the carbon cycle, ice sheets, hydrological cycle, and ocean circulation, with predictions for climate changes over the next century to millennia.

Content

The course spans 5 thematic modules:

1. Cyclic variation in the earth's orbit and the rise and demise of ice sheets. Ice sheets and sea level - What do expansionist glaciers want? What is the natural range of variation in the earth's ice sheets and the consequent effect on sea level? How do cyclic variations in the earth's orbit affect the size of ice sheets under modern climate and under past warmer climates? What conditions the mean size and stability or fragility of the large polar ice caps and is their evidence that they have dynamic behavior? What rates and magnitudes of sea level change have accompanied past ice sheet variations? How stable or fragile is the ocean heat conveyor, past and present?
2. Feedbacks on climate cycles from CO2 and methane. What drives CO2 and methane variations over glacial cycles? What are the feedbacks with ocean circulation and the terrestrial biosphere?
3. Atmospheric circulation and variations in the earth's hydrological cycle - How variable are the earth's precipitation regimes? How large are the orbital scale variations in global monsoon systems?

4. Century-scale droughts and civil catastrophes. Will mean climate change El Nino frequency and intensity? What factors drive change in mid and high-latitude precipitation systems? Is there evidence that changes in water availability have played a role in the rise, demise, or dispersion of past civilizations?
5. How sensitive is Earth's long term climate to CO2 and cloud feedbacks? What regulates atmospheric CO2 over long tectonic timescales of millions to tens of millions of years?

The weekly two hour lecture periods will feature lecture on these themes interspersed with short interactive tasks to apply new knowledge. Over the semester, student teams will each present in class one debate based on two scientific articles of contrasting interpretations. With flexible scheduling, students will participate in a laboratory activity to generate a new paleoclimate record from stalagmites. Student teams will be supported by an individual tutorial meeting to assist in debate preparation and another to assist in the interpretation of the lab activity data.

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	fostered
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Problem-solving	assessed
Social Competencies	Communication	assessed
	Cooperation and Teamwork	assessed
Personal Competencies	Creative Thinking	fostered
	Critical Thinking	fostered

Palaeoclimatology

Palaeoclimatology: Compulsory Courses

Number

Title

Type

ECTS

Hours

Lecturers

651-4057-00L

Climate History and Palaeoclimatology

W+

4 credits

H. Stoll, H. Zhang

Abstract

Learning objective

Content

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	fostered
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Problem-solving	assessed
Social Competencies	Communication	assessed
	Cooperation and Teamwork	assessed
Personal Competencies	Creative Thinking	fostered
	Critical Thinking	fostered

Palaeoclimatology: Courses of Choice

Number

Title

Type

ECTS

Hours

Lecturers

651-4043-00L

Sedimentology II: Biological and Chemical Processes in Lacustrine and Marine Systems

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the MSc-course "Sedimentology I" (651-4041-00L).

3 credits

V. Picotti, A. Gilli, H. Stoll, H. Zhang

Abstract

Learning objective

Content

Lecture notes

no script. scientific articles will be distributed during the course

Literature

We will read and critically discuss scientific articles relevant for "biological and chemical processes in marine and lacustrine systems"

Prerequisites / Notice

The grading of students is based on in-class exercises and end-semester examination.

Sedimentology

Sedimentology: Compulsory Courses

Number

Title

Type

ECTS

Hours

Lecturers

651-4041-00L

Sedimentology I: Physical Processes and Sedimentary Systems

W+

3 credits

V. Picotti

Abstract

Sediments preserved a record of past landscapes. This courses focuses on understanding the processes that modify sedimentary landscapes with time and how we can read this changes in the sedimentary record.

Learning objective

The students learn basic concepts of modern sedimentology and stratigraphy in the context of sequence stratigraphy and sea level change. They discuss the advantages and pitfalls of the method and look beyond. In particular we pay attention to introducing the importance of considering entire sediment routing systems and understanding their functionning.

Content

Details on the program will be handed out during the first lecture.

Literature

The sedimentary record of sea-level change
Angela Coe, the Open University.
Cambridge University Press

Prerequisites / Notice

The grading of students is based on in-class exercises and end-semester examination.

651-4043-00L

Sedimentology II: Biological and Chemical Processes in Lacustrine and Marine Systems

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the MSc-course "Sedimentology I" (651-4041-00L).

W+

3 credits

V. Picotti, A. Gilli, H. Stoll, H. Zhang

Abstract

Learning objective

Content

Lecture notes

no script. scientific articles will be distributed during the course

Literature

We will read and critically discuss scientific articles relevant for "biological and chemical processes in marine and lacustrine systems"

Prerequisites / Notice

The grading of students is based on in-class exercises and end-semester examination.

Sedimentology: Courses of Choice

Number

Title

Type

ECTS

Hours

Lecturers

651-4901-00L

Quaternary Dating Methods

2 credits

I. Hajdas, M. Christl

Abstract

Reconstruction of time scales is critical for all Quaternary studies in Geology and Archeology. Various methods are applied depending on the time range of interest and the archive studied. In this lecture, we focus on the last 50 ka and the methods that are most frequently used for dating Quaternary sediments and landforms in this time range.

Learning objective

Students will be made familiar with the details of the six dating methods through lectures on basic principles, analysis of case studies, solving of problem sets for age calculation and visits to dating laboratories.

At the end of the course, students will:
1. understand the fundamental principles of the most frequently used dating methods for Quaternary studies.
2. choose which dating method (or combination of methods) suits a certain field problem.
3. critically read and evaluate the application of dating methods in scientific publications.

Content

1. Introduction: Isotopes and decay
2. Radiocarbon dating: principles and applications
3. AMS technique and its application in Quaternary geochronology
4. U-series disequilibrium dating
5. Luminescence dating
6. Introduction to incremental: varve counting, dendrochronology, and ice cores chronologies
7. Dating anthropogenic records

Prerequisites / Notice

Visit to radiocarbon lab, cosmogenic nuclide lab, and accelerator (AMS) facility.

Required: attending the lecture, visiting laboratories, handing back solutions for problem sets, short presentations or written report

Optional (individual): 1-5 days of hands-on radiocarbon dating at the 14C lab, ETH Hoenggerberg

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	fostered
	Techniques and Technologies	fostered
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	fostered
	Problem-solving	fostered
Social Competencies	Communication	fostered
	Cooperation and Teamwork	fostered
Personal Competencies	Critical Thinking	fostered

651-4063-00L

X-Ray Powder Diffraction

3 credits

M. Plötze

Abstract

Learning objective

Content

Lecture notes

Selected handouts will be made available in the lecture

Literature

Prerequisites / Notice

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Decision-making	fostered
	Media and Digital Technologies	assessed
	Problem-solving	fostered
	Project Management	fostered
Social Competencies	Communication	assessed
	Cooperation and Teamwork	assessed
	Customer Orientation	fostered
	Leadership and Responsibility	fostered
	Self-presentation and Social Influence	fostered
	Sensitivity to Diversity	fostered
	Negotiation	fostered
Personal Competencies	Adaptability and Flexibility	fostered
	Creative Thinking	assessed
	Critical Thinking	assessed
	Integrity and Work Ethics	fostered
	Self-awareness and Self-reflection	fostered
	Self-direction and Self-management	fostered

651-4341-00L

Source to Sink Sedimentary Systems

3 credits

T. I. Eglinton, J. Hemingway, L. Bröder, M. Griepentrog

Abstract

The transfer and redistribution of mass and chemical elements at the Earth’s surface is controlled by a wide range of processes that will affect the magnitude and nature of fluxes exported from continental fluvial systems. This course addresses the production, transport, and deposition of sediments from source to sink and their interaction with biogeochemical cycles.

Learning objective

This course aims at integrating different earth science disciplines (geomorphology, geochemistry, and tectonics) to gain a better understanding of the physical and biogeochemical processes at work across the sediment production, routing, and depositional systems. It will provide insight into how it is actually possible to “see a world in a grain of sand” by taking into account the cascade of physical and chemical processes that shaped and modified sediments and chemical elements from their source to their sink.

Content

Lectures will introduce the main source to sink concepts and cover physical and biogeochemical processes in upland, sediment producing areas (glacial and periglacial processes; mass movements; hillslopes and soil processes/development; critical zone biogeochemical processes).

Field excursion (3 days, 30 September -2 October 2022): will cover the upper Rhône from the Rhône glacier to the Rhône delta in Lake Geneva) as small scale source-to-sink system.

Practicals comprise (I) a small autonomous project on the Rhône catchment based on samples collected during the field trip and (II) an independent report on how you would design, build, and implement your own source-to-sink study.

Lecture notes

Lecture notes are provided online during the course. They summarize the current subjects week by week and provide the essential theoretical background.

Literature

Suggested references :

- "Sediment routing systems: the fate of sediments from Source to Sink" by Philip A. Allen (Cambridge University Press)
- "Principles of soilscape and landscape evolution by Garry Willgoose" (Cambridge University Press)
- "Geomorphology, the mechanics and chemistry of landscapes" by Robert S. Anderson & Suzanne P. Anderson (Cambridge University Press)

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
	Techniques and Technologies	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Decision-making	fostered
	Problem-solving	assessed
	Project Management	assessed
Social Competencies	Communication	fostered
	Cooperation and Teamwork	assessed
	Leadership and Responsibility	fostered
Personal Competencies	Critical Thinking	assessed
	Integrity and Work Ethics	fostered

651-4243-00L

Seismic Stratigraphy and Facies

2 credits

G. Eberli

Abstract

The course teaches the techniques of seismic interpretation for solving geological and environmental problems. A special focus is given to the seismic facies analysis and seismic sequence stratigraphy of different depositional systems. In addition, examples are presented how seismic data can be integrated into research projects in basin analysis, paleoceanography and paleoclimatology.

Learning objective

1. Acquire techniques for a comprehensive interpretation of seismic sections for solving geologic, stratigraphic and environmental problems
2. Correlation of seismic facies and seismic attributes to lithologic facies in different sedimentary systems
3. Learn the principles and techniques of seismic sequence stratigraphy and the differences between lithostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy
4. Learn to integrate seismic data into paleoceonagraphic and paleoclimatic research.

Content

The four day course consists of lectures that are accompanied by a variety of exercises.

Day 1:
Introduction seismic facies analysis with exercise
Seismic resolution
Seismic facies of contourite drift systems and their value as physical indicators of global current changes.

Day 2:
Seismic attributes and seismic geomorphology
Siliciclastic deltas, shelves and turbidite systems, 2D-3D
Exercise: Seismic section Tarragon Basin and reconstructing the basin evolution with respect to the climate conditions at the end of the Miocene.
Seismic facies carbonate systems
Carbonates as recorders of sea level and paleoclimate
Deepwater environments, including cold-water coral habitats

Day 3:
Carbonates versus volcanic seismic facies
Introduction seismic attributes
Faults and structures on seismic sections
Seismic facies of mixed systems with
Exercises from Canada and the Paradox Basin

Day 4:
Sea level and sedimentation
Telling ages on seismic section
Seismic stratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy
Exercise: Sequence analysis Straits of Andros
Final discussion

Lecture notes

An original script (110 pages) designed for the class will be distributed at the beginning of the course.

Literature

Books Seismic Interpretation of Depositional Systems:

Ariztegui, D. and Wildi, W. (eds.), 2003, Lake Systems from Ice Age to Industrial Time. Eclogae Geologicae Helvetiae Special Issue, v. 96, S1-S133.
Bacon, M., Simm, R. and Redshaw, T., 2003, 3-D Seismic Interpretation. Cambridge University Press, 112 pp.
Chopra, S., and K. J. Marfurt, 2007, Seismic attributes for prospect identification and reservoir characterization. SEG Geophysical Development Series, pp 481.
Davies, R.J., Posementier, H.W., Wood, L.J., and Cartwright, J.A. (eds.), 2007, Seismic Geomorphology. Geological Society Special Publication 277, pp274.
Eberli, G.P., Massaferro, J.L., and Sarg, J.F. (eds.), 2004, Seismic Imaging of Carbonate Reservoirs and Systems. AAPG Memoir 81.
Rebesco, M. & Camerlenghi, A., 2008, Contourites. Developments in Sedimentology 60, Elsevier.Weimer, P. and Davis, T.L. (eds.), 1996, Applications of 3-D seismic data to exploration and production. AAPG Studies in Geology, No. 42 and SEG Geophysical Development Series, No. 5., pp. 270.

Gupta, S. and Cowie, P. (eds). 2000, Controls in the Stratigraphic Development of Extensional Basins. Basin Research Special Issue, v. 12, 445pp
Harris, P.M., Saller, A.H., and Simo, J.A. (eds.), 1999, Advances in carbonate sequence stratigraphy: application to reservoirs, outcrops, and models. SEPM Special Publication v. 63.
Payton, C.E., (ed.), 1977, Seismic stratigraphy-applications to hydrocarbon exploration. AAPG Memoir 26, 516pp.
Van Wagoner, J.C., R.M. Mitchum, K.M. Campion, and V.D. Rahmanian, 1990, Siliciclastic sequence stratigraphy in well logs, cores, and outcrops. AAPG Methods in Exploration Series, No. 7, 55pp.
Weimer, P. and Posamentier, H.W., 1993, Siliciclastic Sequence Stratigraphy: Recent Developments and Applications. AAPG Memoir 58.

Prerequisites / Notice

Basic knowledge in sedimentology and stratigraphy

Competencies

Subject-specific Competencies	Concepts and Theories	assessed
Method-specific Competencies	Analytical Competencies	assessed
	Decision-making	assessed
	Problem-solving	assessed
Social Competencies	Communication	assessed
	Cooperation and Teamwork	assessed
Personal Competencies	Creative Thinking	assessed
	Critical Thinking	assessed
	Self-awareness and Self-reflection	assessed
	Self-direction and Self-management	assessed

Structural Geology

Structural Geology: Compulsory Courses

Number

Title

Type

ECTS

Hours

Lecturers

651-4132-00L

Field Course IV: Alpine Field Course

Priority is given to D-ERDW students. If space is available UZH Geography and Earth System Sciences students may attend this field course at full cost.

No registration through myStudies. The registration for excursions and field courses goes through http://exkursionen.erdw.ethz.ch only.

W+

3 credits

W. Behr, V. Picotti

Abstract

Learning objective

Prerequisites / Notice

Students who want to participate hand in a short motivation letter (max. 1 page A4). The final selection will be based on this motivation letter.
Deadline for motivation letter: 31 October 2018

Final decision 20 November 2018

Students registering for the course confirm having read and accepted the terms and conditions for excursions and field courses of D-ERDW Link

Structural Geology: Courses of Choice

Number

Title

Type

ECTS

Hours

Lecturers

651-4111-00L

Experimental Rock Physics and Deformation

3 credits

L. Tokle, C. Madonna, A. S. Zappone

Abstract

We illustrate some physical properties, deformation mechanisms, and define flow laws. We show the fundamental techniques for the measurement in laboratory of density, permeability, elastic properties and deformation. We presented actual case studies and discuss upscaling from laboratory to field.

Learning objective

The objective of this course is to introduce rock physics and rock deformation, and discuss the aid of laboratory tests to interpretation at large scale .

Rock Physics provides the understanding to connect geomechanical and geophysical data to the intrinsic properties of rocks, such as mineral composition and texture. Rock Physics is a key component in geo-resources exploration and exploitation, and in geo-hazard assessment.

For rock deformation we will illustrate how to determined flow-laws of rocks from experiments and how to extrapolate to natural conditions. Since the time scale of laboratory experiments is several orders of magnitude faster than nature, we will compare the microstructure of natural rocks with that produced during the experiments to prove that the same mechanisms are operating.
For this purpose, the fundamental techniques of experimental rock deformation will be illustrated and test on natural rock samples in the plastic deformation regime (high temperature) as well in the brittle regime ( room temperature) will be presented. We will perform tests in the lab, to acquire the data, to correct for calibration and to process the data and finally to interpret the data.

The course is at Master student level, but will be useful for PhDs students who want to begin to work in experimental deformation or who want to know the meaning and the limitation of laboratory flow-laws for geodynamic modelling

Content

The course will focus on research-based term project, lectures will alternate with laboratory demonstrations.

We will illustrate how intrinsic properties of rocks (mineral composition, porosity, pore fluids, crystallographic orientation, microstructures) are connected to the following physical properties:
- permeability;
- elastic properties for seismic interpretations;
- anisotropy of the above physical properties.
We will measure some of those parameters in laboratory and discuss real case studies and applications.

Principles of deformation mechanisms, flow laws, and deformation mechanism maps will be presented in lectures.
In laboratory we will show:
- Experimental deformation rigs (gas, fluid and solid confining media);
- Main part of the apparatus (mechanical, hydraulic, heating system, data logging);
- Calibration of an apparatus (distortion of the rig; transducers calibration);
- Various types of tests (axial deformation; diagonal cut and torsion; deformation; constant strain rate tests; creep tests; stepping tests);

Prerequisites / Notice

The course of Structural Geology (651-3422-00L) is highly recommended before attending this course.
Moreover the students should have basic knowledge in geophysics and mineralogy/crystallography.

In doubt, please contact the course responsible beforehand.

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