Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2021
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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 651-4045-00L | Microscopy of Metamorphic Rocks | W+ | 2 credits | 2G | 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 | 2G | P. Ulmer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This course provides basic knowledge in microscopy of igneous rocks. Apart from the identification of common igneous minerals in thin sections, mineral assemblages, textures and structures will be investigated and the results of microscopy will be combined with igneous phase equilibria to understand generation, differentiation and emplacement of igneous rocks. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The principal goal of this course is to acquire expertise in : (1) optical determination of minerals in igneous rocks using the polarizing microscope (2) Identification of igneous rocks basing on modal mineralogy, structure and texture; (3) Interpretation of textures and structures and associated igneous processes; (4) Application of phase diagrams to natural rocks. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | This practical course bases on the course 'Microscopy of metamorphic rocks' (A. Galli), that is taught immediately before this course, where basic knowledge in optical mineralogy and the use of the polarizing microscope is acquired. In this course, the most important (common) igneous minerals and rocks are studied in thin sections under the polarizing microscope. Mineral assemblages, structures, textures and crystallization sequences are determined and utilized to understand the generation, differentiation and emplacement of igneous rocks. In addition, we will apply igneous phase equilibria that have been introduced in other lectures (such as magmatism and metamorphism I&II at ETH or an equivalent igneous petrology course) to natural rock samples in order to constrain qualitatively parental magma compositions and crystallization conditions. The range of investigated rocks encompasses mantle rocks, tholeiitic, calc-alkaline and alkaline plutonic and volcanic rocks that contain the most common igneous minerals. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Basis of the optical determinations of (igneous) minerals using the polarizing microscope are the tables of Tröger ('Optische Bestimmung der gesteinsbildenden Minerale', Optical determination of rock-forming minerals, 1982) that are available in sufficient number in the class room. Additional notes will be distributed during the lecture Furthermore, I recommend the lecture notes of H.-G- Stosch (University of Karlsruhe, in German) that can be provided in printed form upon request. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | There are several good textbooks on the subject of ´mineralogy in thin sections´ that I can suggest upon request. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | This course does not include an introduction in optical mineralogy and the use of a polarizing microscope and, therefore, bases on the course ¨Microscopy of metamorphic rocks¨ taught by A. Galli immediately before this course where these basic principles are provided. Alternatively, e.g. for external students, an equivalent course is required to follow this practical course. The delivery of 3 acceptably solved homework assignments is acknowledged with an increase of the final grade by 0.25. Other microscope courses taught at ETH Zurich at the D-ERDW are: Basics of optical mineralogy and petrography (M.W. Schmidt, BSc-course in German) Microscopy of metamophic 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) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 651-4051-00L | Reflected Light Microscopy and Ore Deposits Practical  Number of participants limited to 19. | W+ | 2 credits | 2P | 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Recognition of the most important ore minerals in polished section, interpretation of mineral textures in geologcal context | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Introduction to reflected light microscopy as a petrographic technique. Leaning main diagnostic criteria. Study of small selection of important and characteristic minerals. Interpreting polished (thin) sections as exercise | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | To be handed out in class | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Credits and mark based on independent description of selected sample(s) towards the end of the course | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 651-4113-00L | Sedimentary Petrography and Microscopy | W+ | 2 credits | 2G | 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 | 2G | 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 |
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| 651-4117-00L | Sediment Analysis Prerequisite: Successful completion of the MSc-course "Sedimentology I" (651-4041-00L). | W+ | 3 credits | 2G | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 651-4063-00L | X-Ray Powder Diffraction Number of participants limited to 18. | W+ | 3 credits | 2G | 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 651-4131-00L | Introduction to Digital Mapping Does not take place this semester. Number of participants limited to 20. | W+ Dr | 2 credits | 3V | to be announced | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This course gives an introduction to digital mapping in geosciences from data collection to the final map/model construction. The course focuses on the practical application of different digital mapping tools. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The students are able to • describe possible applications using digital mapping devices in geosciences • apply selected digital mapping tools in the office and in the field • visualize field data • evaluate 2D and 3D geodata for the development of a geological model | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The following topics are covered • Sensor specifications of tablets and smartphones • Field apps and databases used in digital mapping • Access to spatial geodata in Switzerland, but also worldwide • Visualization of 2D and 3D data • Several case studies on digital mapping • 1 day excursion with practical training underground and with surface geology | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Prerequisite is • 651-4031-00 Geographic Information Systems or an equivalent course • 651-3482-00 Geological Field Course II: Sedimentary Rocks or an equivalent course | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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