- Gain knowledge about the geochemical and petrological evolution of the Earth throughout its entire history from the Hadean to recent times;
- Learn how to interpret textural, mineralogical, chemical and isotopic data from igneous and sedimentary rocks collected from ancient environments;
- Discuss scientific literature and learn how to critically assess and evaluate competing arguments.
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- Introduction to geochemical and isotopic tracers in the Earth Sciences;
- Birth of the Earth. Earth accretion and the Moon separation event. Solar system volcanism. Short lived radiogenic isotope systems. Geochronology;
- Origin of terrestrial plate tectonics: the magmatic and geochemical perspective. Komatiites. TTGs. Subduction versus sagduction. Consequences of a high T mantle and thick thermal lithospheric lid;
- First evidence for life on Earth. The first igneous and sedimentary rock. The earliest atmosphere and oceans;
- Whiff's of Oxygen in the Archean. Great oxygenation event. Advanced stable isotope geochemistry;
- Catastrophic continental magmatic events. Eruption mechanisms, plume crust interactions and volatile emissions);
- Present day volcanic hazards. Acidic crater lakes and eruption styles.
The course will help to develop the following transferable skills:
- Ability to work in a team- Presentations within a group;
- Written communication skills- abstract and essay writing;
- Problem-solving skills- exercises in practical classes;
- Verbal communication skills- presentations;
- Initiative- literature investigations;
- Analytical/quantitative skills- exercises in practical classes;
- Technical skills- petrography classes and rock and mineral identification skills.
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