GEOL353 Tectonics

Plate geometry and kinematic derivations; tectonic history reconstructions; integrated understanding of sedimentary, igneous, metamorphic, and structural associations in various tectonic settings; implications for climate, fauna, earth evolution, and society.

Students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of  tectonic systems and how these have shaped Earth. They will bring together data from different geological disciplines to address topics such as planetary accretion, mantle convection and the formation of continental and oceanic crust.

^ Top of page

Prerequisite

GEOL 251 and GEOL 252 and MATH 160

Schedule C

Science

Notes

Students must be prepared to attend field trips outside of regular semester time

Contact

geology@otago.ac.nz

More information link

View more information about GEOL353

Teaching staff

Coordinator: Dr James Scott
Dr Virginia Toy
Professor David Prior
Professor Dave Craw
Professor Ewan Fordyce
Dr Mike Palin
Professor James White
Dr Chris Moy

Paper Structure

Topics covered include:

• Earth origins:
  • Earth's elements and age
  • Earth differentiation and the Late Heavy Bombardment
  • Earth from petrological and geophysical perspectives
  • First continental crust and subduction initiation
• Plate tectonics on a sphere
• Mantle melting: 
  • Oceanic lithosphere and mid-ocean ridges 
  • Do mantle plumes exist?
  • Ocean island basalts 
  • Large igneous provinces
• Thermal evolution of orogenic belts
• Fault friction and slip
• Subduction zone faults
• Changing oceans, continents and biotas
• New Zealand tectonics

Assessment is 40% internal (ongoing during the semester) and 60 % external (final exam).

Teaching Arrangements

Two lectures and one 3-hour laboratory per week.

Textbooks

Kearey, P., Klepeis, K.A., & Vine, F.J. 2009. Global tectonics. Wiley Blackwell. Third edition 2011. 482 pages

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

Specific learning outcomes are:

• Integrated and quantitative understanding of tectonic systems and tectonic processes
• Problem-solving skills
• Quantitative skills
• Teamwork skills

Course outline

GEOL353-Tectonics-outline-2018.pdf (latest syllabus indicative of content next time the paper is taught)

^ Top of page