Teaching Microstructures and Rock Rheology offers an opportunity to explore the intricate details of rock deformation and the structural characteristics that underpin it. The course explores of microstructural features found in rocks, including textures, fabric, and mineral assemblages. Students learn how to observe and interpret these microstructures using various microscopy techniques such as optical microscopy, cathodoluminescence, electron backscattered diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Students are also introduced to the principles of rock rheology, which is the study of how rocks deform under stress. This includes understanding the mechanical properties of rocks, such as elasticity, viscosity, and strength, and the factors that influence their deformation behavior. By the end of the course, students emerge with a comprehensive understanding of microstructures and rock rheology, equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and interpret the deformation history of rocks and its implications for Earth’s dynamic processes. This knowledge is invaluable for careers in geology, geophysics, structural geology, and related fields.
