625-301 Structural Geology & Geodynamics

Special Requirements: Geological hammer, hand lens and magnet. Consult the departmental noticeboard for dates, charges for excursions, accommodation and food, which will be fixed as early as possible in the first semester.

Earth sciences 625-224

This subject covers topics in geological processes involved in large-scale tectonics. Topics include structure and composition of the earth; plates defined in terms of the thermal and rheological structure of the outer part of the earth; isostasy; stress and strain in the crust and lithosphere; origin and processes in mobile belts and their relationship to continental amalgamation and fragmentation; and intraplate deformation; and convergent, divergent and transform plate boundaries.

On completion of this subject, students should comprehend the geometrical techniques of structural geology, how the plates which make up the earth's surface are defined by large-scale thermal and rheological properties of the earth, and the tectonic processes that may affect metamorphic rocks and ore bodies. They will have developed the skills in laboratory geology which are relevant to the understanding of deformed rocks, and the skills to draw together observations from petrology and structural geology to interpret earth processes. They will appreciate how the processes which occur within and between plates can be interpreted in terms of the stress and strain in the outer parts of the earth.

A 3-hour written examination and a 3-hour practical examination, or its equivalent in practical class work in the form of reports totalling up to 3000 words.