Macalester College Geology Department

Instructor: Karl Wirth
Level: Advanced
Offered: Every Spring

Petrology is the study of the origin, occurrence, and evolution of igneous and metamorphic rocks. This course emphasizes the interpretation of rocks in the context of tectonic processes and the chemical evolution of the Earth. Students learn thin-section microscopy, phase diagrams, geochemistry, radioactive isotopes, computer modeling, spreadsheets, databases, and geochemical analysis. The course is designed around a semester-long study of a suite of rocks from the Sonju Lake Intrusion in northern Minnesota. Laboratory activities throughout the semester focus on different aspects of the origin of the Sonju Lake Intrusion. Students present the final results of their investigations in oral and written form.

Upon completion of the course, students will:

• be able to describe and interpret common igneous and metamorphic rocks
• understand how rock suites are related by process, tectonic setting, and source
• know how to use multidisciplinary approaches to investigate petrologic problems
• be able to work with large sample suites and field data
• be comfortable using computers and modern instrumentation to study rocks
• have experience using database software to explore petrologic problems
• know how to prepare a professional report and give a professional presentation
• understand the use of chemical tracers to investigate natural systems