HR: 0830h
AN: ED41C-1181    [PDF]
TI: Taos Plateau Volcanic Project: A Vehicle for Integration of Concepts in Igneous Petrology
AU: Henry, D
EM: dhenry@geol.lsu.edu
AF: Louisiana State Univ., Dept. Geology \& Geophysics, Baton Rouge, LA 70808-4101 United States
AU: * Dutrow, B
EM: dutrow@geol.lsu.edu
AF: Louisiana State Univ., Dept. Geology \& Geophysics, Baton Rouge, LA 70808-4101 United States
AB: Integrating concepts of igneous petrology is generally a challenge, but can be effective in the context of a project based on actual field, geochemical and geochronological data. The final lab project in the igneous portion of petrology involves a series of volcanic and associated rock samples that were collected from the Taos Plateau Volcanic Field, New Mexico, USA. Samples were collected over an area of several tens of $km^2$ throughout the Plateau and represent a spatially and temporally correlated rock suite related to continental rifting. Rift-related magmatism encompasses much of the diversity of terrestrial magma types. Compositions of mafic magmas range from tholeiite to some of the most silica-undersaturated magmas found on the continents. Large effusive eruptions from fissures are typical of some rifts, whereas others may be dominated by central vent cones or even silicic caldera complexes. The injection of mantle-derived magma in extending crust may have a profound effect on the rheology of the crust and, therefore, the style of deformation associated with extension. Most of these aspects of rift volcanism and a wide range of mafic to silicic magma compositions are represented in the Rio Grande rift and the volcanic rocks of the Taos Plateau. In addition, much published data exists for whole rock and trace element geochemistry as well as geochronology. Rock samples and associated information are presented so that the student must integrate multiple lines of evidence, petrographic, petrologic, geochemical and geochronological data in a geospatial framework, to establish a geologic history of the region. The student must also draw on skills learned in mineralogy and structural geology furthering core geoscience education. Subsequent to the petrology course, the students visit the Taos Plateau Volcanic Field during their required field camp, thus reinforcing the linkage between the classroom setting and geologic reality.
DE: 3600 MINERALOGY AND PETROLOGY (replaces
DE: 3625 Descriptive mineralogy
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting