Introduction to course:

This course is a graduate level course of metamorphic petrology. It enables students to understand the mechanism and types of metamorphism as well as the factors that affect the process of metamorphism. This course also includes different rock structures which developed due to metamorphism so it’s beneficial for students to recognize different rock features in metamorphic rocks of field area. Metamorphic petrology covers the chemical and physical work done in natural systems in response to changing physical conditions. Petrogenetic processes such as recrystallization, continuous and discontinuous reactions, mixed volatile reactions and deformation are addressed. Mineral assemblages and textures are used to make deductions about the environment of metamorphism and the pressure-temperature conditions under which the assemblage equilibrated. The principles of metamorphic petrology are then applied to a number of orogenic events through geologic time, and modern advances in research in metamorphic petrology are explored. The course contents include: Basic characteristics of metamorphic reactions and role of fluids, concept of iso-grades and iso-reaction grades, very low grade and ocean floor metamorphism, cataclastic metamorphism, metamorphic facies series, P-T gradients, mineralogical characteristics of individual facies, progress metamorphism of pelites, basic rocks and carbonates, high grade metamorphism, anatexis and migmatites, tectonics of regional metamorphic belts, paired metamorphic belts and Metamorphic structure of continental crust.

Learning outcomes:

  • At the end of this course students should be able to assign metamorphic grade based on mineral assemblages and use simple phase diagrams to illustrate the relationships between these mineral assemblages, PT conditions, and bulk rock chemical composition.
  • Constrain the extent of fluid phase availability and fluid composition, based on assemblage variance and distribution arguments.
  • Understand how PT conditions of equilibration from suitable assemblages are calculated, after having made assessments of issues of equilibration and mineral compositional zoning.
  • Understand relationships between crustal heat flow, styles of metamorphism, P-T-t paths and plate tectonic settings.

Text Books:

  1. Best, M.G., 2002, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Black Well.
  2. Roger Mason, 2001. Metamorphic petrology workbook, China University of Geosciences.
  3. Best, M. G. (2013). Igneous and metamorphic petrology. John Wiley & Sons.

Course Start Date: January 13, 2020

Course End Date:   May 08, 2020

Class Timing:

Monday: 12:00 - 01:00 PM

Tuesday: 12:00 - 01:00 PM

Wednesday: 12:00 - 01:00 PM

Assesment Criteria:

Sessional: 20 (Presentation + Participation + Assignments)

Midterm exam: 30

Final exam: 50

Total: 100

  • 75 % attendance is must for the students to appear in exam of Midterm and final
  • Monthly attendance will informed to students
  • Students are required be attentive in class.
  • Sessional marks would only be given according to the assigned criteria

Course Material