625-224 Tectonics

Note:

• Geological hammer, hand lens and magnet. Consult the departmental notice board for dates and charges for excursions, accommodation and food, which will be fixed as early as possible in the first semester.

Credit Points:

Coordinator:

Prerequisite/s:

Timetable:

Contact:

Objectives:

On completion of this subject, students should:

• acquire an understanding of the effects of elevated pressure, temperature and stress on rocks;

• be able to recognise, describe and intepret rocks formed as a consequence of these effects in the laboratory and in the field;

• understand the role of geophysical methods in establishing tectonic models.

Content:

Mechanical aspects of rock deformation; stress and strain behaviour of materials; descriptive treatment of strain folds and cleavage; examination of deformed rocks in the laboratory and in the field. Response of rocks to elevated temperature and pressure; the equilibrium metamorphic model and the facies concept; metamorphic rocks in thin section and in hand specimen; the relationship between mineral assemblages in metamorphic rocks and their conditions of formation. The evolution of pressure, temperature and deformation in orogeny. Theory and practice of gravity, magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic and seismic geophysical methods; inversion and interpretation of data in tectonics context. Field mapping, including individual mapping projects.

Assessment: