Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2021

Number	Title	Type	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
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
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.

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