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    Overview

    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.

    About this paper

    Paper title Metamorphism, Mineralisation, Tectonics
    Subject Geology
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Not offered in 2024, expected to be offered in 2025 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    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

    geology@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Co-ordinator: Associate Professor James Scott

    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.

    Timetable

    Not offered in 2024, expected to be offered in 2025

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard
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