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Bubble Sizes in Vesicular Basalt

Jason Turflinger and Carl Drummond
Initial Publication Date: September 26, 2007

Summary

Students analyze vertical changes in vesicle size-frequency distributions over small distances. They cut and prepare a hand sample of vesicular basalt, creating polished parallel to horizontal slabs that can then be treated with acetate peels to produce images for digital analysis and interpretation.


Learning Goals

  • Learn simple rock-preparation techniques.
  • Learn analytical and mathematical techniques.
  • Learn processes of bubble growth from within basalt.

Context for Use

This activity is appropriate for undergraduate geology courses.

Description and Teaching Materials

The following materials are required:
  • Hand sample of highly vesicular basalt with visually pronounced vertical variation (size and abundance) in vesicularity and large enough to be cut into several slabs
  • Standard oil-bath rock saw
  • Lap wheel rock polisher
  • Black permanent marker
  • Acetate peels
  • Digital desktop scanner
  • Image analysis software

References and Resources

Turflinger, J., and Drummond, C., 1996, Analysis of Bubble Sizes in Vesicular Basalt, Journal of Geoscience Education, v. 44, p.22-26