Unit name | Global Tectonics and Geodynamics |
---|---|
Unit code | EASC30053 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Professor. Juliet Biggs |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
Students on the MSc Volcanology programme will be required to show equivalent competency (e.g. a BSc in Geology). |
Co-requisites |
n/a |
School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
The Earth is a dynamic system that is driven by heat escaping from the planet. The objective of this unit is to learn how the process works and its relationship to the Earth's physical and chemical structure.
The course will address the initial development of the Earth and its evolution to the present mode of heat transport: convection in the mantle and core. This convection drives phenomena such as the geomagnetic field and plate tectonics. The structure and motion of the plates will be analysed and put into a regional context through exploration of various key tectonic settings.
The unit will consider how tectonic setting influences the constitution of metamorphic and igneous rocks, and this topic will be explored through the concepts of chemical equilibrium, the phase rule, and crystallization from liquids. Through this framework, students will be introduced to some of the fundamental discussion and debates in tectonic and geodynamic research today.
On successful completion of the unit, you will be able to:
30 Lectures and 10 practicals
The unit is assessed through a closed book, end-of-year examination (80%) and through individual presentations (20%).
Students will be given a list of topics for their presentation and asked to name their first and second choices. Topics will be geographical regions or geological features (e.g. the Mid Atlantic Ridge, the Core Mantle Boundary, New Zealand). The scope is to identify an open scientific question about that topic/region from the literature and present the background and motivation for future research in that area. Presentations will be expected to last approximately 5 minutes.