Module GEOL3091: TECTONICS AND DEFORMATION PROCESSES

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL3091: TECTONICS AND DEFORMATION PROCESSES

Prerequisites

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

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

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

Content

• LARGE SCALE DEFORMATION
• Deformation – definitions and key concepts.
• Creep and long time-scale stresses.
• The sub-lithospheric mantle.
• PREM.
• The lithosphere.
• ROCK MECHANICS AND EARTHQUAKES
• Principles of rock, fault and earthquake mechanics.
• Deformation experiments and estimating the rocks physical and mechanical parameters.
• 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.

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.

• Critical analysis, research capability: Receive and respond to a variety of information sources.
• Practical competency: Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.
• Independent learning, numeracy, IT skills, information skills, literacy.
• Initiative and drive, innovation and creativity, problem solving.

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 one 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 and solving graphical-and-thin-section-based problems that help re-enforce key concepts introduced during lectures.
• Formative assessment is provided in practical tests with feedback.
• Guidance on preparation, key and exam skills are provided.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Practical tests with feedback and feedback during project preparation.

■ 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