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Active deformation is explored in this course, introducing the criteria by which active deformation can be identified and located. The emphasis is on the interaction between tectonic and other geomorphic processes in shaping the landscape and the way in which the nature of the underlying deformation can be identified and quantified from an analysis of topography.
This course explores the interactions between the tectonic activity that build topography and the surface processes that modify and destroy it. We will explore why the Earth’s surface has the shape that it does and how the nature of sub-surface deformation can be identified and quantified from an analysis of surface deposits and topography. The seminar-style first term will draw on the fields of structural geology, field mapping, seismology, geomorphology, geodesy, geophysics, and geochronological dating techniques to understand the origin and evolution of landscapes in New Zealand and beyond. In the second half of the term, we will use numerical models and GIS to interactively explore case studies in active tectonics. Assessment will be based on field mapping exercises and in-class assignments.
Students will be aware of the scope and state-of-the-art of tectonic geomorphologyStudents will be competent geomorphologic mappersStudents will gain experience quantifying geological concepts using computational models Students will gain experience using GIS in geomorphologyStudents will gain experience in project management and report writing
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.
Globally aware
Students will comprehend the influence of global conditions on their discipline and will be competent in engaging with global and multi-cultural contexts.
Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
1 seminar-style lecture per week (Term 1)1 computer laboratory per week (Term 2)2 one-day field trips (North and South Canterbury) in Terms 1 and 2, respectively.
For further information see School of Earth and Environment Head of Department
North Canterbury Neotectonic Mapping - 30% - Term 1South Canterbury Neotectonic Mapping - 25% - Term 2Computer Laboratory Light Tasks (3) - 15% - Term 2Computer Laboratory Extended Projects (3) - 30% - Term 2
Recommended textbook(s): Burbank, Douglas West. , Anderson, Robert S; Tectonic geomorphology; Blackwell Science, 2001.McCalpin, James; Paleoseismology; Academic Press, 1996.
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Prerequisites: Subject to approval of the Head of Department.
Marks and GradesThe Department of Geological Sciences uses the following scale to convert marks into grades:100 – 90 A+ 75 – 79 B+ 60 – 64 C+89 – 85 A 70 – 74 B 55 – 59 C84 – 80 A- 65 – 69 B- 50 – 54 C- Below 50 D/EThe Department of Geological Sciences reserves the right to adjust this mark/grade conversion, when deemed necessary.Late WorkLate work should be accompanied with a short note explaining why the work is late. The work will be marked and marks will be subtracted for each day the work is late. Days late include week-ends and holidays.Aegrotat ApplicationsIf you feel that illness, injury, bereavement or other critical circumstances has prevented you from completing an item of assessment or affected your performance, you should complete an aegrotat application form, available from the Registry or the Student Health and Counselling Service. This should be within seven days of the due date for the required work or the date of the examination. In the case of illness or injury, medical consultation should normally have taken place shortly before or within 24 hours after the due date for the required work, or the date of the test or examination. For further details on aegrotat applications, please refer to the Enrolment Handbook. You have the right to appeal any decision made, including aegrotat decisions.Missing of TestsIn rare cases a student will not be able to sit a test. In such cases, the student should consult with the course co-ordinator or the Head of Geological Sciences to arrange alternative procedures. This must be done well in advance of the set date for the test, unless the situation is covered by the aegrotat regulations.Reconsideration of Grades• Grades for individual items of coursework may be reassessed, and in the first instance students should speak with the course coordinator. If an agreeable solution cannot be reached students should then speak to the Head of the Geological Sciences Department. Reconsideration should normally be requested within 4 weeks of the test or the return of the item of assessment.• Grade reconsideration for courses as a whole can be obtained by applying to the Registry within 4 weeks of the date of publication of the final results. Students should refer to UC Calendar under general course and examination regulations for details of the appeal process.Academic LiaisonTom Brookman and Tim Stahl currently share the Chairperson role on the Postgraduate Liaison Committee. A student representative is appointed to the Liaison Committee at the start of the semester. Please feel free to talk to Tom, Tim or the student representative about any problems or concerns that you might have.Students with DisabilitiesStudents with disabilities should speak with someone at the Disability Resource Service. Inquire in the first instance at Level 3 Rutherford Building Email: disability@canterbury.ac.nzPolicy on Dishonest PracticePlagiarism, collusion, copying and ghost writing are unacceptable and dishonest practices. • Plagiarism is the presentation of any material (text, data, figures or drawings, on any medium including computer files) from any other source without clear and adequate acknowledgement of the source.• Collusion is the presentation of work performed in conjunction with another person or persons, but submitted as if it has been completed only by the named author(s). • Copying is the use of material (in any medium, including computer files) produced by another person(s) with or without their knowledge and approval.• Ghost writing is the use of another person(s) (with or without payment) to prepare all or part of an item submitted for assessment. In cases where dishonest practice is involved in tests or other work submitted for credit, the student will be referred to the University Proctor. The instructor may choose to not mark the work.
Domestic fee $1,067.00
International Postgraduate fees
* 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 .