Study the metamorphic and tectonic processes that have affected the evolution of Zealandia, Earth and other planets. Fieldtrips provide context for rocks studied in the laboratories, including metamorphic mineralisation.
This paper covers a spectrum of metamorphic types, including contact, regional and some of the metamorphic extremes, such as ultra-high-pressure and ultra-high-temperature. All types are discussed with reference to examples from around the world, although the focus is on the spectacular New Zealand geology. We will examine metamorphic reactions that take place in the shallow crust (e.g., in the zeolite facies) through to those that occur in the deep crust (e.g. in the eclogite facies), as well as those that occur in the largest metamorphic complex on Earth: the mantle. For metamorphic mineralisation, we will examine the formation of mesothermal gold deposits, massive sulphide deposits, skarns and diamond occurrences.
| Paper title | Metamorphism, Mineralisation, Tectonics |
|---|---|
| Paper code | GEOL274 |
| Subject | Geology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2023 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 90 points including EAOS 111 and/or GEOL 112
- Restriction
- GEOL 374
- Schedule C
- Science
- Eligibility
GEOL 274 is for students in their second year of a geology or equivalent degree. GEOL 374 is for students in their third year of a geology or equivalent degree.
- Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Co-ordinator: Associate Professor James Scott
Dr Steven Smith- Paper Structure
The paper is structured so that the lectures and labs are integrated.
The first two weeks are on contact metamorphism and skarns. This is followed by a section on regional metamorphism and then fault zone deformation and recrystallisation. The course progresses into geothermobarometry, and then into high pressure metamorphism in the crust and mantle.
Assessment: 40 % internal component, made up of a take home assignment and a practical test, with a 60 % final written exam. Assessments for GEOL 374 are set and graded differently to GEOL 274 to reflect greater background knowledge and higher expectations of students taking the paper at 300-level.
- Teaching Arrangements
Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory per week.
Fieldwork: 1-day field excursion to the Haast Schist occurring south of Dunedin.
- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required for this paper.
- Course outline
GEOL274/374 syllabus (previous syllabus indicative of content next time the paper is taught)
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Critical thinking,
Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- To be able to reconstruct the metamorphic history of a rock, from the field to microscopic scale.
