Description of the main isotope isotope systems used in petrology and volcanology. Dating methods of magmatic processes. Analytical methods for isotope measurements. Isotope tracers used to constrain the relationship between geodynamic setting, mantle metasomatism and magma genesis. Application of isotopes to constrain the evolution of magmatic reservoirs, magma mixing processe, and to estimate the residence times of magmas.
The aim of the course is to provide a general framework on the main isotopic systematics used in petrological and volcanological studies and on the analytical protocols used to measure isotope ratios. With the acquired knowledge the student will be able to apply the different isotope systematics to constrain the processes related to the genesis and evolution of magmas in volcanic systems
Prerequisites
basic knowledge of chemistry, geochemistry, petrography and petrology.
Teaching Methods
Lectures in class, practical exercise with specific softwares, laboratory activity at the Laboratory of Geochemistry of radiogenic Isotopes.
Further information
Type of Assessment
The oral examination is aimed at determining the learning by the student of the knowledge provided during the course. The student will be required to answer to questions about the main topics explained during the course, including the analytical protocols described in class and shown in the lab. The student’s ability to critically discuss and connect the topics of the course will also be evaluated.
Course program
Dacay mechanism and laws of radioactive decay. Main isotopic systematics used in petrology and volcanology. Main dating methods of magmatic processes (e.g. K-Ar, Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Th-Pb, U-seriesAnalytical methods for the measurements of radiogenic isotope ratios with practical exercise. Multi-collector Thermal Ionization (TIMS) and plasma (MC-ICPMS) mass spectrometers. Correction required for the isotopic analyses via mass spectrometry and evaluation of the analytical errors. Time-integrated parent daughter isotope ratios, isotopic evolution of the Earth’s mantle and relationship between geodynamic setting and mantle metasomatism. U-series isotope and magma genesis in different geodynamic environments. Radiogenic isotopes as traces of magma differentiation and evolution in shallow magmatic reservoirs. Magmatic Residence times in active volcanic systems and constraints on degassing processes. Crystal Isotope stratigraphy applications to constrain the structure and evolution of magmatic reservoir. Examples of application of non-traditional stable isotopes to petrological and volcanological studies. Examples and discussion in class of case studies.