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Please note: the information in the course manual is binding.
To provide an understanding of the physical properties and mineralogical structure of important mineral phases, from the Earth’s surface to its core. At every level, the physical/chemical background to processes that control the mineralogy and structure is given, together with relevant practicals, to provide a solid understanding. By the end of the course students are expected to know which processes govern the stability, transformation and transport of the materials examined, including phase transformations, thermo-kinetic and interfacial processes. Students will be provided with an introduction to the techniques of observation and analysis for these processes. Surface processes involving aqueous fluids will be discussed, as well as those controlling deeper Earth structures (mantle/core) and their planetary origins.
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Mineralogy of the Core and Mantle:
Origin/structure of the Earth (meteorites)
Phase transitions in the mantle (thermodynamics/phase diagrams)
Mineral stability (observation and prediction)
Olivine to perovskite, SiO2 minerals.
Physical background: Atomic structure of crystal, solid state - band theory, optical/electronic interactions, heat capacity, thermal and electronic/ionic conductivity, diffraction, defects and colour centres.
Techniques: Electron microscopy, high pressure/temperatue experimental methods using Diamond and multi- anvil cells.
Pressure, temperature, time and transformation:
Exsolution/thermobarometry
Microstructural/petrological evidence
Thermo-kinetic processes
Physical background: Transport properties, diffusion of matter and heat, thermal activation - Boltzmann distribution, diffusion profiles, stranded profiles, nucleation.
Techniques: X-ray diffraction, Infra-red and Raman spectroscopy (vibrational spectroscopy).
Mineral growth, crystallization and surface interaction:
Mineral/fluid and mineral/atmosphere interactions. Crystal nucleation and growth.
Weathering and alteration by aqueous fluids. Clay minerals
Physical background: interfacial properties, surface energy, capillary pressure, wetting, colloids, charged interfaces, point of zero charge, surface conductivity, grain boundaries +/- fluids, Nernst-Einstein relation, behaviour of water.
Techniques: AFM.
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