GLS 359 Petrochronology

3 Credit(s) QR

This course will examine petrochronology that links geological time and specific environmental conditions during rock-forming processes. We will look at theoretical and experimental aspects of wide arrays of chronometers and their practical applications. Using detailed characterization of microtextures in rocks, we will learn modern quantitative approaches to calculate pressure and temperature conditions during metamorphism. Combining chronometers and petrologic analysis, we will decipher how Pressure-Temperature-time-Deformation paths of rocks can help us better understand various geological processes in Earth. Three lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: One Geological Sciences 100-level laboratory course, or permission of Department Chairperson