ESC3170 - Field geology of New Zealand

Leader(s): Dr Andrew Tomkins

Offered

Clayton Summer semester B 2009 (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 seismically active geological system. At the end of the unit students will be able to: recognise, describe and interpret structures 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

Only 10 positions are available; and will be offered on the basis of academic merit in ESC2111, ESC2122 and ESC2132.