Solid-Fluid Interactions in the Earth's Crust (U03585)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : GEO-4-SOLID

This option course will be generic and broad in scope, spanning the near-subsurface to the deep Earth crust.

Topics may include:

• Thermodynamics and properties of impure solids
• Mixed volatile mineral-fluid equilibria
• Thermodynamics and properties of COH and saline fluids, and their geological implications
• Mineral solubilities in fluids in theory and practice
• Physical and textural controls on fluid transport and flow
• Chromatographic models of fluid transport and fluxes
• Fluid flow in deforming rocks - theory, experiment and practice
• Timescales and mechanisms of fluid flow; implied crustal
permeabilities
• Building stone

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : The prior study of Chemical Geology in third year is essential. The study of some of the following at third year level is desirable: Structural Geology, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Metamorphic Petrology and Structure, Mineral Behaviour, Hydrocarbons, Ore Mineralogy and Petrology.

? Costs : Non.e

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Earth Science, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Other subject areas

Environmental Courses, (School of GeoSciences, Schedule N)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The course will:

- Develop an understanding of the physico-chemical principles and processes that describe the interaction of minerals, rocks and fluids in the Earth- crust
- Describe the physico-chemical properties and behaviour of the component solids and fluids
- Apply the principles of chemical equilibrium, rock physics and geochemistry in order to quantify these processes
- Illustrate the principles using research case studies from the published literature

The acquisition of generic skills and understanding of solid-fluid interactions and their geological application, which will be valued by employers in relevant industries.