ESC3170

Field geology of New Zealand ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Dr Bruce Schaefer

Offered:
Clayton Summer 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit consists of a 10 day field trip to New Zealand. The field trip will outline various aspects of the geology of New Zealand including active arc volcanoes, geothermal systems, seismically active zones, major fault systems, allochtonous terranes, obducted ophiolites, large braided river systems, active glacial systems, and epithermal gold systems. The unit will traverse New Zealand from South Island to North Island and will focus on the volcanic and neotectonic elements of this geologically dynamic country.

Objectives: On completion of this unit students will have a view of New Zealand geology and an insight into a dynamic volcanically and sesmically active geological system. At the end of the unit students will be able to: recognise, describe and interpret strucutres in a neotectonic environment; assess kinematic directions associated with shear zones; understand variations in seismicity in different tectonic environments; distinguish between hotspot and subductionprelated volcanism and associated geothermal systems; understand the tectonic evolution of New Zealand and its relationship to Australia

Assessment: Outcrop presentation 30%, Logging exercises 30%, Scientific report 40%

Contact Hours: One 2 hour lecture and an 80 hour field course

Prerequisites: ESC2111, ESC2122 and ESC2192