Volcanic and Mantle Processes

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Understand the mechanisms involved in the generation and evolution of Magmas.
• Ability to interpret and integrate petrological, elemental and isotopic data.
• Understand how geochemical and isotopic data are obtained and used to evaluate igneous processes
• Identify different volcanic products and determine from their characteristics the process involved in their formation.
• Ability to examine and interpret volcanic successions in the field.
• Critically evaluate how a variety of techniques can be used for volcanic monitoring
• Able to log a volcanic sequence to determine the magmatic evolution and eruption history of a volcano.
• Critically evaluate the processes that generate heterogeneity within the Earth's mantle.

The Earth's mantle is the reservoir that provides the raw materials for crustal generation. This reservoir has exchanged material with the crust through geological time, leading to the diversity of compositions we observe in volcanism across our planet.

In this module we will examine the processes of magma generation, through to the processes which generate volcanic features and deposits. The course will make a detailed investigation into the causes of mantle heterogeneity, the way in which melt is generated in the mantle, and the nature and timing of crustal processes on the magma. Using examples of magmatic systems at mid-ocean ridges, volcanic arcs and mantle hotspots we examine how elemental variations and radiogenic isotopes can throw light on structure, circulation and storage within the mantle. To understand how elemental abundances vary in volcanic systems, models are developed in the practical classes that illustrate the likely processes involved.

Volcanoes and volcanic products are examined in the second half of the course. This is centered around a seven-day field course to Tenerife, with lectures focusing on physical volcanology and field studies examining the processes that generate effusive and explosive volcanics. The field work includes exercises examining pyroclastic deposits and the relationship between caldera development and progressive magmatism.

Teaching and learning methods

In Southampton

Formal Lectures: will provide the theory underlying the structure, petrology and composition of the Earth's mantle. Outlines of the lectures are provided. Each lecture systematically covers the main concepts. Where relevant, lecturers' own research experience in the appropriate fields is brought into the lecturing sessions. References to applicable book chapters and/or relevant journal articles are provided as essential reading for each lecture.

Practical sessions: will exemplify the theory and allow you to develop appropriate practical skills in geochemical and isotopic data analysis and interpretation, and the laboratory techniques available in the study of igneous and metamorphic rocks.

In Tenerife

Fieldcourse: A seven-day fieldcourse will also exemplify the theory and develop your investigative and interpretative field skills.

A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.

Assessment strategy

Theory examination (40%): A 2-hour written examination. Two sections, three questions to be answered with at least one from each section. Tests Learning Outcomes 1-6

Laboratory practical assessment (20%): The assessment will take the form of exercises during the practical classes, to be handed in at the end of the class (weeks 2, 3 and 4). Please note that a scientific calculator will be necessary for all practicals. Tests Learning Outcomes 1-5

Field work assessment (40%): This assessment will examine the students' expertise in identifying and interpreting volcanic products and assessing magmatic features in the field. The assessment will be based on the field notebooks and on the half-day exercises completed during the fieldcourse. Tests Learning Outcomes 6

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External