Module GEOL3091: RHEOLOGY AND DEFORMATION PROCESSES

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL3091: RHEOLOGY AND DEFORMATION PROCESSES

Prerequisites

• Igneous and Metamorphic Geochemistry and Petrology (GEOL2231) AND Structural Geology and Tectonics (GEOL2011).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To understand the nature, causes, controls and interactions of lithosphere deformation processes on all scales within the Earth and how these are assessed and measured by geoscientists.

Content

• RHEOLOGY - key concepts.
• macroscopic rheologies.
• deformation experiments and estimating rheological parameters.
• short time-scale stresses.
• PREM.
• creep and long time-scale stresses.
• the sub-lithospheric mantle.
• the lithosphere.
• DEFORMATION PROCESSES - fracturing and fracture process zones.
• crystal plasticity, diffusive mass transfer.
• practical interpretation of microstructures in rocks.
• deformation mechanism and regime maps.
• heterogeneity.
• fault zone weakening.
• the frictional viscous transition.

Learning Outcomes

• To critically assess the relationships between large-scale geophysical observations and the macroscopic rheological behaviour of the Earth.
• To systematically describe microstructures and relate these to deformation mechanisms in naturally deformed rocks.
• To understand the relationships between grain-scale deformation mechanisms and large-scale lithosphere dynamics.

• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills necessary to plan, conduct and report on laboratory projects.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in order to apply geological principles and methodologies to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to observe, record accurately and account for geological features in the laboratory.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to synthesise information/data from a variety of sources.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to analyse, evaluate/interpret geological data.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in citation and appropriate use of the literature.

• Receive and respond to a variety of information sources.
• Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module is delivered through a mix of on hour lectures and two hour practicals, supported by handouts, directed reading and web-based materials held on DUO.
• The practicals form an important component of the module allowing hands-on learning and experience of tackling ans solving graphical-and-thin-section-based problems that help re-enforce key concepts introduced during lectures.
• Summative assessment comprises at test (10%) through which students can demonstrate practical skills.
• a web-based essay (10%) which allows demonstration of key skills.
• a project (30%) which allows students to demonstrate independent learning and key skills.
• and an unseen written exam (50%).
• Formative assessment is provided in practical SAQ's and revision sessions.
• Guidance on preparation, key and exam skills are provided.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Practical SAQs and revision sessions.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University