ESC-30008 - Structure and Geodynamics

Coordinator: Stuart S Egan Room: WSF29 Tel: +44 1782 7 33174

Lecture Time: See Timetable...

Level: Level 6

Credits: 15

Study Hours: 150

School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

Not applicable

Description for 2020/21

This module uses lecture and practical classes to study the structural and geodynamic effects associated with continental tectonics. Extensional, compressional, inversion, wrench/strike-slip regimes are studied at both regional and local scales. The structure part of the course explains the structural styles exhibited in each of these regimes. In addition, the analysis of a variety of geological and geophysical data during practical classes provides an understanding of the formation and evolution of geological features such as extensional sedimentary basins and mountain belt-foreland basin couplets. Extensional and inversion tectonics are also illustrated via the field study of coastal outcrops in SW England.

The geodynamics component of the course concentrates upon explaining the fundamental processes that occur within the lithosphere during continental tectonics. Emphasis is placed upon mechanical, thermal, rheological and isostatic controls upon basin formation. The practical element of this part of the course provides an introduction to the numerical and computer modelling of geological processes.

Aims

The primary aim of the module is to teach students the concepts, processes and physical structures associated with continental tectonics

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/esc-30008/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe and interpret the large scale tectonic evolution of geological features occurring in extensional, compressional, inversion and wrench continental tectonic regimes: 1,2,3
understand the mechanical, thermal, rheological and isostatic behaviour of the continental lithosphere during continental tectonics: 2,3
use numerical/computer modelling techniques as a tool for providing insights into sedimentary basin formation, and have critical awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of the methods: 2
interpret and analyse geological maps and seismic reflection profiles to become familiar with the structural geology of sedimentary basins in a variety of tectonic settings: 1

Study hours

- 16 hours lectures
- 30 hours practical classes
- 16 hours fieldwork
- 88 hours private study/completion of assignments

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Practical Assessment weighted 25%
Structure Practical Exercises
Computer and lab-based seismic interpretation exercises and exercises based on field site.

2: Practical Assessment weighted 25%
Practical assignments on geodynamics
Portfolio of worksheets on the numerical/computer modelling of geological and geodynamic processes

3: Open Book Examination weighted 50%
Open book exam
Students have a three-week period in which to complete an open book examination based on 3 sections: a) questions on the structural component of module, b) questions on geodynamics component of module, c) questions that integrate all parts of module. Students are required to answer one question from each section out of a choice of two. The questions are unseen until the time of their release. Students can make use of any resources available to them (e.g., class notes, journal literature, text books, etc). The total word count is 2400 words.

ESC-30008 - Module Specification School of Geography, Geology and the Environment Faculty of Natural Sciences

ESC-30008 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences