GEOL475 Advanced Topics in Rock Deformation

Overview

Theoretical and practical approaches to understanding the deformation of rocks and ice, deformation mechanisms, active faulting processes, and associated natural hazards.

About this paper

Restriction

GEOL 430

Eligibility

A student who has an undergraduate background in field geology and some basic structural geology or tectonics. Basic mathematical ability is an advantage.

Contact

mark.stirling@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Co-ordinator: Professor Mark Stirling

Paper Structure

• Earthquake physics and statistics
• Tectonic geomorphology and paleoseismology
• Integration of instrumental and geological earthquake data
• Earthquake hazard analysis
• Time-dependency of earthquakes
• Outputs for end-users
• Multi-hazards
• Alpine Fault case study
• Hikurangi subduction zone case study

Teaching Arrangements

One 1.5-hour lectures per week, with two lecture periods spent on individual projects.

Textbooks

Textbooks are not required for this paper.

Course outline

Course outline refers to last time paper was taught

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Interdisciplinary perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Environmental literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will have:

• Research-level understanding of state-of-the-art topics in seismotectonics and consequent hazards (Scholarship, Research, Interdisciplinary perspective)
• Understanding of the key components of seismic hazard analysis, and the required outputs for end-users
• The state-of-the-art in seismic hazard analysis New Zealand and beyond
• Effective science communication
• Cognisance of relevant employment markets
• An enhanced capacity for self-directed activity and working independently (Self-motivation)

Timetable