This course is a refresher in thin section microscopy with special emphasis on textural interpretation and petrogenetic implications. The focus is on volcanic rocks from oceanic ridges and islands, but the manifestation of deformation and hydrothermal alteration in ocean crustal rocks will also be dealt with.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Basic experience in investigations of thin sections with a polarizing microscope.
- Basic knowledge of petrology and petrography of igneous rocks.
A PARTICIPATION IN THIS COURSE IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR STUDENTS WHO DO NOT MEET THESE PRECONDITIONS.

After completion of the course the students are able to:
- identify a number of rock-forming minerals
- use petrography to recognize petrogenetic processes
- assess the possibilities and limits of petrographic investigations

Comprehension questions, description of a thin section

assignment

- R.H. Vernon (2004): A practical guide to rock microstructure. Cambridge University Press.
- M.J. Hibbard (1995): Petrography to petrogenesis. Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
- W.S. MacKenzie & A.E. Adams (1994): Rocks and minerals in thin section. Manson Publishing, London. / (1995): Minerale und Gesteine in Dünnschliffen. Enke, Stuttgart.
- W.S. MacKenzie & C. Guilford (1980): Atlas of rock-forming minerals in thin section. Longman Scientific. / (1981): Atlas gesteinsbildender Minerale in Dünnschliffen. Enke, Stuttgart.
- W.S. MacKenzie, C.H. Donaldson & C. Guilford (1987): Atlas of igneous rocks and their textures. Longman Scientific. / (1989): Atlas der magmatischen Gesteine in Dünnschliffen. Enke, Stuttgart.
- W.A. Deer, R.A. Howie & J. Zussman (1993): An introduction to the rock forming minerals. Longman Scientific.
- A.R. Philpotts (2003): Petrography of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Waveland Press Inc., Illinois.
- H. Pichler & C. Schmitt-Riegraf (1987): Gesteinsbildende Minerale im Dünnschliff. Enke, Stuttgart.
- G. Müller & M. Raith (1993): Methoden der Dünnschliffmikroskopie. Clausthaler Tektonische Hefte 14, Verlag Sven von Loga, Köln.
- W.E. Tröger (1982): Optische Bestimmung der gesteinsbildenden Minerale, Teil 1: Bestimmungstabellen, Teil 2: Textband. Schweizerbart’sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Stuttgart.