Aims

The aim of this course is to give students the opportunity to learn what is needed to understand the fundamental controls on mineral stabilities and how these relate to society's use of minerals and rocks for CO2 removal, and as raw materials that generate CO2 emissions. In this context, students will be able to make informed decisions and undertake work relating to management of atmospheric CO2 in the context of climate change.

The course will equip students for independent work, especially in the field and laboratory investigation of rocks, and includes development of practical skills in observation (microscope work) and data interpretation that are important in managing Earth resources at all levels.

Outline Of Syllabus

The course introduces the techniques used to determine the mineralogical and chemical composition of minerals and rocks, including XRD, XRF, thermal analysis and electron beam methods. It then interprets data for rock compositions using simple phase diagrams and conventional TAS classification diagrams, so that rocks are properly named.

Basic, intermediate and acidic igneous rocks are considered separately and as a continuum, in the context of their use for CO2 removal by Enhanced Rock Weathering.

Mineral reactions during burial diagenesis lead into metamorphism, covering contact and regional processes. The mineralogical transformations are related to underground injection of CO2 to mitigate climate change, as well as considering implications for soil-based Enhanced Rock Weathering.

The use of mineral raw materials to make glass, cement and bricks is addressed, drawing together the techniques introduced during the course. The carbon emissions of these processes are discussed, considering ways in which manufacturers can reduce emissions of CO2 to mitigate climate change.

The course involves the study of rock samples under the microscope using thin sections, and the use of phase diagrams in paper-based exercises. Published and in-house Excel templates are used for the interpretation of published and original data. Brick manufacture is addressed in the lab through measurement of changes due to firing, including consideration of furnace oxygen fugacity.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are required to provide a framework for the development of learning and acquisition of knowledge.
Practical sessions are divided between 6 addressing the use of microscopes, and 5 that develop skills in interpreting mineralogical and chemical data and are vital for the acquisition of the skills that the module needs. A student will use the practical skills gained from this module throughout their entire career. The practical sessions involve opportunities for relationship building and articulation of a problem, through informal contact with teaching and demonstrating staff, as well as with peers.
The work is focused on substantial textbooks, and students will be directed to read selected peer reviewed journal papers to supplement work done in lectures and practicals.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessments relate specifically to the learning outcomes – testing knowledge and the acquisition of the required skills. A pass/fail formative lab exercise with feedback is included to prepare students for the summative assessment of lab work.