- Course Code
- KL 199A
- Credit Points
- 15
- Course Coordinator
- Dr S Middleton
Pre-requisites
None
Co-requisites
None
Notes
This is a 6 week course available through the Summer
Overview
The rocks, of which the rigid, outer shell of the Earth is made, are themselves composed of a range of different minerals. Igneous rocks, which crystallise from rock melts (magma), contain minerals that reflect the processes operating within and at the margins of the plates that form the rigid shell. Metamorphic rocks are formed in response to the forces associated with the movement of the plates and/or to changes in temperatures. The weathering and erosion of pre-existing rock formations and the transport and deposition of this debris by ice, wind, water and gravity form most sedimentary rocks. However, some sedimentary rocks are mainly of biological or chemical origin (e.g. chalk, rock salt). The composition of, and the mineral associations in rocks are therefore directly related to the processes that formed them. The identification and classification of rocks is therefore a crucial skill in studies relating to the evolution of the Earth.
Structure
This course will be delivered independently through MyAberdeen, with an intensive practical weekend.
Assessment
1st Attempt: 100% continuous Assessment
Feedback
Feedback will be given orally on the day.