ESC2111

Dynamic Earth I: building and construction of continents

(SCI)

Coordinator: Dr Ian Cartwright

6 points + three 1-hour lectures and two hours of practical/tutorial classes per week, and two 2-day field trips + First semester + Clayton + Prerequisites: ESC1011 and/or ESC1022 or permission of head + Prohibitions: ESC2011

Synopsis: An integrated understanding to processes that build and modify the Earth's crust is provided. Within a plate-tectonic framework, the subject deals with four broad topics. Volcanology: tectonic environment of volcanism, physical and chemical volcanic processes, and volcanic hazards. Earthquakes and seismicity: where and why earthquakes occur, earthquakes and imaging the deep structure of the Earth, and hazards. Mountain belts: where and how mountain belts form, tectonic history, and tectonic timescales. Basins: how basins form, sedimentology and structure of basins, palaeontology, and stratigraphy.

Assessment: Examinations (2x2 hours): 65% + practical/fieldwork: 35%