| Thermodynamic modelling of metamorphic rocks | |
| LECTURERS: | Dr. Jacob Forshaw, Dr. P. Lanari |
| SCOPE: | Introduce advanced thermodynamic modelling tools |
| HELD AT: | BE |
| CATEGORY: | |
| ECTS Credits: | 2 |
| PREREQUISITES: | |
| REQUISITES: | |
| FORMAT: | Bloc course |
| FREQUENCY: | annually in spring semester |
| CONTENTS: | Thermodynamic modelling is a powerful tool for calculating the stability of mineral assemblages in the Earth’s lithosphere and beyond. Understanding the stability of minerals is of great importance to low-temperature geochemists, metamorphic petrologists, igneous petrologists, and mantle geochemists. This course will present and discuss the pros and cons of currently available thermodynamic software, thermodynamic databases, and mineral solution models. Students will learn how to run their own thermodynamic models using Theriak-Domino and will explore how their choice of thermodynamic dataset and solution models affects the predicted stability fields and compositions of minerals. By the end of this course the participants will be able to (1) produce pressure-temperature-composition diagrams for their own rocks, (2) understand thermodynamic database files and how different thermodynamic parameters are adjusted, and (3) critically assess diagrams made using different datasets and chemical systems. Whilst there are no formal prerequisites for this course, a basic knowledge of thermodynamics and metamorphism is expected. The course will require considerable personal investment from the participants during and between the lectures. |
| ASSESSMENT: | Multiple choice exams on different days |
(prer): Courses with prerequisites.