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Nature and origin of structures produced by deformation in the Earth’s crust, and material properties of rocks that affect the way in which they respond. Practical geometric methods associated with deriving and representing the three dimensional form of structures commonly encountered in geological practice, and synthesis of tectonic settings. This course also covers large-scale geometry and processes of plate tectonics, and topics in global geophysics linked to current observation and plate tectonic theory.
When rocks in the Earth’s crust are subjected to stresses generated by dynamic tectonic processes, they are deformed into a variety of structures. The material properties of rocks affect the way in which they respond and this course introduces the physical principles, which explain the origin of common structures, such as folds and faults.While the lecture course emphasizes the nature and origin of the range of deformation structures, the laboratory course concentrates on the practical geometric methods associated with deriving and representing the three dimensional form of such structures. This involves the use of various projection techniques to solve problems that are commonly encountered in geological practice. In the latter part of the course, a synthesis of the way in which characteristic associations of structures develop into distinctive styles in different tectonic settings are introduced. The course ends with an introduction of the large-scale geometry and processes of plate tectonics. Selected topics in global geophysics (seismology, paleomagnetism, geomagnetism, heat flow and isostasy) provide an overview of the nature of global processes, linked to current observation and plate tectonic theory.
Goal of the CourseProvide students with principal deformation processes occurring in the lithosphere and their underlying causes.Learning OutcomesStudents successfully completing this course will:have an understanding of the basic principles of the mechanics and kinematics of rock deformation;be familiar with a range of common deformational structures, their classification, terminology and the way in which they are associated in the principal tectonic regimes generated by primary plate interactions and gravitational processes; andbe able to apply a range of standard techniques to the analysis of geologic structures. have developed a fuller understanding of the nature of plate tectonics, the structure of the Earth’s crust and interior;develop an understanding of the basic principles of global geophysics in the fields of seismicity, magnetism, isostasy and heat flow, and their relationship to plate tectonics and the structure of the Earth’s interior.Summary of the Course ContentThe topics coved by this course are:Structural Geology (kinematic analysis, brittle and ductile deformation, stress and strain, description of major deformation structures)Global Geophysics (forces that drive plate motion and thus cause major deformation structures in the lithosphere).
GEOL111 and GEOL112, or, with a B+ average, ora standard acceptable to the Head of Department, GEOL113 may be substituted for GEOL111 or GEOL112.
GEOL233, GEOL236
For further information see Geological Sciences Head of Department
Additional reading will be required, and references will be provided, by the individual lecturers during the course.
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Domestic fee $718.00
International fee $3,350.00
* 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.
This course will not be offered if fewer than 30 people apply to enrol.
For further information see Geological Sciences .