Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

An in-depth study of igneous and metamorphic rocks including petrographic examination of characteristic rock textures and mineralogy.  Discussion of each rock group includes their mineralogy, chemistry, and processes of formation as related to plate tectonics.  Laboratory exercises emphasize identification of rock types in hand specimen, in thin section, and in the field.

Thick basalt flows at the base of the ca. 59 Ma Teklanika Formation, Denali National Park