Content:

Mineralogy of the Core and Mantle:
Origin/structure of the Earth (meteorites)
Phase transitions in the mantle (thermodynamics/phase diagrams)
Mineral stability (observation and prediction)
Olivine to perovskite, SiO₂ minerals, Sulphides
Physical background: Atomic structure of crystal, solid state - band theory, optical/electronic interactions, heat capacity, thermal and electronic/ionic conductivity, diffraction, Electron microscopy, defects and colour centres. HPT experimental methods: Diamond and multi- anvil cells.

Pressure, temperature, time and transformation:
Exsolution/thermobarometry
Microstructural/petrological evidence
 Thermo-kinetic processes, TTT diagrams
Physical background: Transport properties, diffusion of matter and heat, thermal activation - Boltzmann distribution, diffusion profiles, stranded profiles, nucleation.

Mineral growth, crystallization and surface interaction:
Mineral/fluid and mineral/atmosphere interactions. Crystal nucleation and growth.
Weathering and alteration by aqueous fluids. Clay minerals
Physical background: interfacial properties, surface energy, capillary pressure, wetting, colloids, charged interfaces,  point of zero charge, surface conductivity, grain boundaries +/- fluids, Nernst-Einstein relation, AFM, behaviour of water.

Aims:
Is to provide an understanding, of the physical properties and mineralogical structure of the important mineral phases, from the Earth’s surface to its core. At every level, the physical/chemical background, to processes which control the mineralogy and structure, is given in parallel, together with relevant  practicals, to provide a solid understanding. Processes which govern the stability, transformation and transport of these materials are studied, including phase transformations, thermo-kinetic and interfacial processes, with introduction to the techniques of observation and analysis. Surface procesess involving aqueous fluids will be discussed, as well as those controlling deeper Earth structures (mantle/core) and their planetary origins. This third year, level 3, "extravakken GGG (profileringsruimte)", course should appeal to GG, GC and GF students alike.