Our objective during the last section of the class is to exercise our petrology muscles, by gaining some hands-on knowledge of a specific petrologic topic, and by presenting the results of our research to an audience.

Topic Selection: Working in teams of one or two, select an igneous or metamorphic site or suite of samples that is of particular interest to you. There are a number of sample suites available in the department from previous field trips. Those of you going on a spring break trip may be able to collect samples that could be used for a project, but remember, it will take time to have thin sections made up (we send them to a commercial lab), so you'll have to work quickly upon return to get them back in time to prepare your project. You may also carry out a mathematical or geochemical modeling project based on literature data. All topics must be approved.

Titles Due: Term project titles should be turned in to me by Tuesday, March 21.

Research: Investigate your samples thoroughly by observing hand samples and thin sections. If necessary, we might be able to arrange for chemical or microprobe analysis. XRD facilities are available in the Chemistry Dept. Carrying out relevant experiments is also a possibility. Thorough analysis of data from the literature on your sample area may be possible as a research project, but this type of project must be much more than a "book report." You are encouraged to use diverse source materials, including maps, state and federal reports, journals and books to provide background information for your project. Your project should include significant content based on your personal efforts. Be creative!

Class Presentation: For your group's 15 minute presentation to class, describe what motivated you to study the chosen topic, the geologic background of your samples, and a summary of the results of your research, with diagrams or pertinent data. Bring 10 copies of a one-page double-sided summary to class. Include a "references cited" section that lists those materials that you actually used in the preparation of your report.

Presentation Dates: Presentations will be made on May 2 and 4.

Course Points: 15% of grade

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Projects: Kelly Gorz and Todd Morken Title: Petrology of blueschists and related rocks from San Onofre, California Kelly Kritsky Title: Mineralogy and origin of the Herontrack silver deposit, Ontario Nicholas Low and Reuben Pancholl Title: Comparison of compositions of phenocrysts in cobbles, with sand, from the Chalky Butte member of the Chadron Formation, western North Dakota. Analysis of whole rock geochemistry of cobbles from the Chalky Butte member of the Chadron Formation. Andrew Podoll Title: Textural analysis of mylonitic rocks from the Somoncura region of Rio Negro Province, northern Patagonia, Argentina. Cody Vanderbusch Title: Garnet-Biotite geothermometry of schist from the Black Hills, South Dakota. Based on microprobe analyses of a sample of garnet schist from Keystone Pass in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Cody will estimate pressure and temperature of formation of this rock. Carrie Wirth Title: Hornblende-plagioclase geothermometry from the Black Hills, South Dakota. Based on microprobe analyses of a sample from the Needles Highway in the Black Hills, South Dakota, Carrie will estimate pressure and temperature of formation of this rock. Nicholle Zurn Title: Geochemistry of igneous rocks from the Somoncura region of Rio Negro Province, northern Patagonia, Argentina. Nicholle carried out whole rock chemical analyses of selected samples by XRF at Macalester College, St. Paul. Based on these new data, previous analyses, and regional geology, she will propose a geochemical model for the genesis of these rocks.

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B. Saini-Eidukat
Petrology
NDSU Geology 422/622

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