Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2023

Earth Sciences Master Information
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
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
651-4045-00LMicroscopy of Metamorphic Rocks Restricted registration - show details W+2 credits2GA. Galli
AbstractRepetition 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 noteshandouts 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 / NoticeNumber 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)
651-4047-00LMicroscopy of Magmatic Rocks Restricted registration - show details W+2 credits2GR.‑G. Popa
AbstractThis 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 objectiveThe 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.
ContentIn 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 notesFor 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.
LiteratureDuring the class, we’ll provide or suggest key papers to read.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis 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)
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesfostered
Problem-solvingfostered
Personal CompetenciesCreative Thinkingfostered
Critical Thinkingfostered
651-4051-00LReflected Light Microscopy and Ore Deposits Practical Restricted registration - show details W+2 credits2PT. Driesner
AbstractIntroduction 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 objectiveRecognition 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.
ContentIntroduction 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 notesLecture ppt's and determination tables are handed out in class
LiteratureSpry, 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.

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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 / NoticeCredits and mark based onan independent description of one selected polished section at the end of the course
CompetenciesCompetencies
Subject-specific CompetenciesConcepts and Theoriesassessed
Techniques and Technologiesassessed
Method-specific CompetenciesAnalytical Competenciesfostered
Problem-solvingfostered
Personal CompetenciesCreative Thinkingfostered
Critical Thinkingfostered
651-4113-00LSedimentary Petrography and Microscopy Restricted registration - show details W+2 credits2GV. Picotti, M. G. Fellin
AbstractMicroscopy of carbonate (1st half of semester) and sliciclastic rocks (2nd half) rocks as well as siliceous, phosphatic and evaporitic sediements.
Learning objectiveDescription of grains and cement/matrix, texture, classification of the main sedimentary rocks. Discussion and interpretation of the environment of sedimentation. Diagenetic Processes.
ContentMicroscopy of carbonate and siliciclastic rocks, siliceous and phosphatic rocks, their origin and classification. Diagenesis.
Lecture notesEnglish textbooks recommended
LiteratureTucker, M.E. (2001): Sedimentary Petrology-An introduction to the Origin of Sedimentary Rocks, 3rd Editition. Blackwell Science Ltd., Oxford, 262 p.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe 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.
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