Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology is the branch of geology that investigates the origin, composition, distribution, and structure of rocks formed from molten material (igneous) and those altered by heat and pressure (metamorphic). By studying igneous rocks like granite and basalt, scientists can understand processes such as volcanism and the cooling of magma within the Earth's crust and mantle. The analysis of metamorphic rocks, such as slate and marble, reveals the immense temperatures and pressures associated with tectonic processes like mountain building. Together, these studies provide a fundamental record of the dynamic thermal and tectonic history of the Earth's interior.

1. Introduction to Petrology
   1. Definition and Scope of Petrology
      1. What is Petrology
      2. Relationship to Other Earth Sciences
      3. Branches of Petrology
         1. Igneous Petrology
         2. Metamorphic Petrology
         3. Sedimentary Petrology
      4. Historical Development of Petrology
         1. Early Pioneers
         2. Modern Advances
      5. Importance in Earth Sciences
         1. Resource Exploration
         2. Understanding Earth Processes
         3. Environmental Applications
   2. The Rock Cycle
      1. Fundamental Concepts
         1. Energy Sources
         2. Material Transfer
      2. Processes of Rock Formation
         1. Crystallization from Magma
         2. Weathering and Erosion
         3. Sedimentation
         4. Burial and Lithification
         5. Metamorphism
         6. Melting and Magma Generation
      3. Interrelationships between Rock Types
         1. Transformation Pathways
         2. Feedback Mechanisms
         3. Time Scales
   3. Earth's Structure and Composition
      1. Crust
         1. Continental Crust
            1. Composition
            2. Thickness Variations
            3. Age Distribution
         2. Oceanic Crust
            1. Composition
            2. Structure
            3. Formation Processes
      2. Mantle
         1. Upper Mantle
            1. Composition
            2. Physical Properties
         2. Lower Mantle
            1. Composition
            2. Physical Properties
         3. Mantle Convection
      3. Core
         1. Outer Core
            1. Composition
            2. Physical State
         2. Inner Core
            1. Composition
            2. Physical State
      4. Lithosphere and Asthenosphere
         1. Definitions
         2. Physical Properties
         3. Interactions
   4. Plate Tectonics and Rock Formation
      1. Plate Boundaries
         1. Divergent Boundaries
            1. Mid-ocean Ridges
            2. Continental Rifts
         2. Convergent Boundaries
            1. Ocean-ocean Convergence
            2. Ocean-continent Convergence
            3. Continent-continent Convergence
         3. Transform Boundaries
            1. Characteristics
      2. Plate Movements and Rock Formation
         1. Driving Forces
         2. Rock Formation Processes
      3. Tectonic Settings and Rock Types
         1. Igneous Rock Associations
         2. Metamorphic Rock Associations
   5. Geothermal Gradient and Heat Flow
      1. Definition of Geothermal Gradient
      2. Sources of Earth's Internal Heat
         1. Radioactive Decay
         2. Residual Heat from Formation
         3. Tidal Heating
      3. Heat Transfer Mechanisms
         1. Conduction
         2. Convection
         3. Advection
      4. Variations in Heat Flow
         1. Continental vs Oceanic
         2. Tectonic Controls
      5. Implications for Magmatism and Metamorphism