Mineralogy and Petrology

  1. Introduction to Petrology
    1. The Rock Cycle
      1. Processes of Rock Formation
        1. Crystallization from Magma
          1. Weathering and Erosion
            1. Sedimentation and Lithification
              1. Metamorphic Transformation
              2. Interrelationships between Rock Types
                1. Igneous to Sedimentary
                  1. Sedimentary to Metamorphic
                    1. Metamorphic to Igneous
                      1. Direct Transformations
                      2. Time Scales of Rock Cycle Processes
                        1. Rapid Processes
                          1. Slow Processes
                            1. Geological Time Perspective
                          2. Geologic Processes Driving the Rock Cycle
                            1. Plate Tectonics
                              1. Driving Mechanisms
                                1. Plate Boundaries
                                  1. Tectonic Settings
                                  2. Weathering and Erosion
                                    1. Surface Processes
                                      1. Climate Controls
                                        1. Topographic Influences
                                        2. Burial and Uplift
                                          1. Subsidence Mechanisms
                                            1. Orogenic Processes
                                              1. Isostatic Adjustments
                                            2. Energy Sources in Petrology
                                              1. Internal Heat Sources
                                                1. Radioactive Decay
                                                  1. Primordial Heat
                                                    1. Gravitational Energy
                                                    2. External Energy Sources
                                                      1. Solar Radiation
                                                        1. Gravitational Potential
                                                      2. Pressure and Temperature in Earth
                                                        1. Geothermal Gradient
                                                          1. Pressure Gradients
                                                            1. Phase Equilibria
                                                              1. Stability Fields

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                                                            6. Systematic Mineralogy

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                                                            8. Igneous Petrology