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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.
| Paper title | Tectonics |
|---|---|
| Paper code | GEOL353 |
| Subject | Geology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,092.15 |
| International Tuition Fees (NZD) | $5,004.75 |
- Prerequisite
- GEOL 251 and GEOL 252
- 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
- Teaching staff
Coordinator: Associate Professor James Scott
Professor David Prior- 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).
- Earth origins:
- 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
- Course outline
GEOL353-Tectonics-outline.pdf (latest syllabus indicative of content next time the paper is taught)
- 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
Timetable
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.
This paper explores tectonic systems and how these have shaped Earth, from the beginning of Earth to the modern day. They will bring together data from different geological disciplines to address topics such as planetary accretion, planet differentiation, mantle convection, the origin of subduction, mountain building, formation of continental and oceanic crust, and Zealandia tectonics.
| Paper title | Tectonics |
|---|---|
| Paper code | GEOL353 |
| Subject | Geology |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2022 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- GEOL 251 and GEOL 252
- Schedule C
- Science
- Notes
- Students must be prepared to attend field trips outside of regular semester time.
- Contact
- More information link
- Teaching staff
Co-ordinator: Associate Professor James Scott
Professor David Prior- 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
- Earth origins:
- Teaching Arrangements
Two lectures and one lab per week
Optional tutorials
One fieldtrip- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required for this paper.
- Course outline
GEOL353-Tectonics-outline (previous syllabus indicative of content next time the paper is taught)
- 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
