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Students may only enrol in this Special Topic course on the advice of the Department of Geological Sciences.
Geodynamics and Tectonics This special topic on Geodynamics and Tectonics will investigate the structure of the Earth and introduce the regional and plate-scale forces that cause the Earth to move and change shape. We will explore why these forces exist and techniques for studying them. Students will be introduced to a wide variety of geophysical techniques through their uses in understanding the Earth. An important component of the course is understanding how evidence from different branches of geosciences can be combined to contribute to our overall knowledge about the Earth. We will also think about the different scales involved in Earth deformation and how we can use simple maths and models to work across these scales.TopicsTerm 1 will focus on the structure of the Earth, and Term 2 will focus on plate tectonics and its implications. Key topics covered include:• Models and modelling in the geosciences• Scales in geoscience• Estimation and order of magnitude problems• Structure of the solid Earth• Plate tectonics• Mountain building• Subduction zone geodynamics
This course will investigate how the Earth, its layers and tectonic plates move and change shape through time, and the effects. The tutorials will teach introductory elements of the maths needed to understand the Earth. Explain the structure of the solid Earth and how we know about it Identify appropriate geophysical techniques to use and combine to approach problems in geodynamicsUnderstand the origins, implications and limitations of plate tectonics as a key theory underlying modern geosciences Be able to quantitatively estimate the relative importance of different forces in driving deformation of the Earth Develop and use simple models to understand and interrogate Earth systems across scales
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attributes specified below:
Critically competent in a core academic discipline of their award
Students know and can critically evaluate and, where applicable, apply this knowledge to topics/issues within their majoring subject.
Employable, innovative and enterprising
Students will develop key skills and attributes sought by employers that can be used in a range of applications.
Engaged with the community
Students will have observed and understood a culture within a community by reflecting on their own performance and experiences within that community.
Subject to approval of the Head of Department
Students must attend one activity from each section.
Lectures: 2 lectures per weekLaboratories: 1 lab (2.5 hour) per fortnightTutorials: 1 tutorial (1 hour) per fortnight (same time slot as laboratories – the group will be divided up depending on numbers)
Camilla Penney
Sources will be given for material referenced in the lectures. Students are expected to undertake their own research and reading, with a particular emphasis on this for those taking the course at 400 level. These two textbooks may provide helpful explanations of material in the course.• Fowler, C.M., 2004: The Solid Earth, 2nd ed., Cambridge University Press• Turcotte, D., and Schubert, G., 2014: Geodynamics, 3rd ed., Cambridge University Press
The prerequisite for this course at 300 level is 30 points from GEOL240-245. At 400 level the prerequisite is 30 points from 300 level GEOL courses. There is no maths prerequisite as the key concepts will be taught in tutorials, but familiarity with NCEA maths to at least level 2 will improve your experience.
Domestic fee $1,036.00
International fee $5,188.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Earth and Environment .