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Student Projects 2002
Lab 423/623 Syllabus
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NDSU Geosciences Petrology 422/622 Spring 2002
STUDENT TERM PROJECTS
Corey Askin and Cody Jacobs
Title: Comparison of Samples from a Metamorphosed Zone in Southern Argentina to Mylonite Criteria.
Proposal: We will compare samples taken from a section of the east side of the Gastre Fault system in southern Argentina, (site loc: 39.4S,67.3W) to mylonite criteria. First we will identify the protolith through study of the mineralogic composition, then through analysis of the shear zone effects on the mineral crystals and texture, attempt to deduce the metamorphic classification.
Sarah Flaskerud and Sarah Gregor
For our petrology project, we will be using a sample that we obtained on our Hawaii trip. This sample is a basalt that contains olivine phenocrysts. The main method we will use to analyze the olivine is X- ray diffraction. X-ray diffraction will give us data that we can use to find the dimensions of the crystal lattices of the olivine crystals. Other methods that can be used are specific gravity/density and electron microscope. In using specific gravity tests, finding a higher value would indicate a higher percent of iron. The final outcome of the data will tell us what the compostion of the magma was like. We can use the determined the KD of about 0.28 and the equation presented in Winter's text (FeO/MgO)ol/(FeO/MgO)liq to determine the magmatic concentration. This data can then be compared to the typical analyses of Hawaiian basalt that Winter presents. If the olivines are in chemical equilibrium with the basalt liquid, then the composition will be equal to our calculations. If they are not equal, then the olivine will have come from another source. Compositions typically are magnesium rich, but we believe our's will be more iron rich due to the tholeiitic nature of the Hawaiian basalt.
Jesse Frank and Suzy Rutten
We are studying cobbles and sand from the Chalky Butte member of the Chadron Formation, western North Dakota. We will study the K-spars in each sample to see if they came from a similar source. We will use XRD, SEM, and study thin sections.
Michele Gutenkunst and Carson Rittel
The purpose of our study is to investigate the cooling history of the Pike's Peak Granite. XRD analysis will help determine the structure of the feldspar in both a granite sample and a pegmatite sample. The structure of the feldspar will then determine the temperature at which the sample crystallized. The results will be compared to previous studies of the Pike's Peak Granite.
Matthew Hoffarth and Justin Costarica
In this talk we plan to discuss the history of Vesuvius including types of past eruptions. We will then discuss the cross-sectional view of Vesuvius and get an insight of why we find certain minerals in the phenocrysts.
Mark Jackson and Damion Knudsen
Using XRD and chemical analysis, we will investigate the mineralogy and genesis of "clinker" formed by pyrometamorphism by burning coal veins in western North Dakota.
Doug Kolb and Dan Weihrauch
Our presentation will give a brief introduction into crystal size distribution (CSD). We will discuss what it is, how it's used, and why it is useful. We have applied these techniques to a sample of granite quarried at Meridian Granite Quarry in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
John Ristvedt
My term project will investigate whether the Sanju Lake Formation is a typical solidification of a mafic magma. I plan on examining the thin sections and using the on-line program MELTS to see whether or not this is true.
Justin Soberaski and K.C. Vorthmann
Devils Tower - Volcanic or Plutonic? Devils Tower is composed of a phonolite porphyry and is surrounded by sedimentary rocks. Two hypotheses for its formation exist. One is that it is an erosional remnant of a volcanic neck. The other is that it is an intrusive body that did not reach the surface. Ideally, by analyzing the texture of the rock and the composition of the nepheline in the rock, a better understanding of how Devils Tower formed can be gained.
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