| CODE | GSC3108 | ||||||||||||
| TITLE | Global Geodynamics and Earth Deformation Processes | ||||||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Geosciences | ||||||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit will provide a holistic overview of dynamic processes that affect the planet, but will concentrate particularly on the dynamics of the Earth's lithosphere. We will consider the whole Earth as a heat engine, and look at the main work output of plate tectonics, lithospheric deformation and earthquakes as a mechanism for plate deformation. It will build on the knowledge of physical processes learned during the first three years of the programme. The syllabus will include: Further topics in Plate Tectonics: - recent theories of mantle convection, hot spots and plumes; - forces driving plate tectonics; - plate motions on a sphere; triple junctions; - transform faults; - flexural properties of the lithosphere; - subduction; - the rheology of rocks. Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics: - faults and stresses on a fault; - earthquake cycle and fault rupture models; - stress inversion of focal mechanisms; - seismicity and stress in the lithosphere; - seismicity and plate tectonics. Study-unit Aims: The aims of the study-unit are: - to expose students to the concept that the Earth is a single dynamic system governed by basic physical laws; - to impart an appreciation of the connectivity between the various regions of the Earth as a planet; - to train the students in applying mathematical and physical methods to solve problems related to the behaviour of the Earth's lithosphere. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - explain the relation between the Earth's heat, mantle dynamics and plate tectonics; - distinguish between the different types of stress field at the various plate boundaries and how they determine plate boundary processes; - describe the motion of tectonic plates on the surface of a sphere; - comprehend the rheological properties of rocks making up the mantle and crust and explain the physical models of lithospheric deformation; - relate seismicity patterns to the various types of plate boundary; - describe the earthquake source model in terms of stress and strain and regional forces. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - apply his/her knowledge of physics and mathematics to solve problems related to lithospheric dynamics; - interpret earthquake focal mechanism diagrams in terms of regional plate tectonics; - use software related to earthquake focal mechanisms and stress inversion; - read and summarise recent literature and journal papers on geodynamics. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: - Turcotte,D.L. and Schubert, G.(2002) Geodynamics, 3rd Edition. Cambridge University Press. - Gubbins, D.. Seismology and Plate Tectonics (2015), Cambridge University Press. - Fowler, C.M.R. (2005), The solid earth : an Introduction to global geophysics. Cambridge U.P. |
||||||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | ||||||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
|
||||||||||||
| LECTURER/S | Matthew R Agius Sebastiano D'Amico |
||||||||||||
|
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
|||||||||||||