Undergraduate - UnitESC3201 - Deformation and metamorphism of the crust

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Synopsis

Geology is essentially a forensic science, and every geologist needs to know the vital clues to look for in rocks in order to work out how the earth evolved. The unit will:

1. focus on case studies from modern and ancient mountain belts;
2. teach the basic skills necessary to unravel the history of deformation and metamorphism in zones of the Earth's crust affected by tectonism; and
3. show how these observations can be linked and used to infer the large scale evolution of the earth.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will be able to describe, classify and interpret the significance of both large and small scale structural features of deformed rock sequences; describe and classify rock microstructure, as well as understand basic concepts of deformation and metamorphic processes in rocks; .observe, identify and measure structural elements in the field, construct structural form surface maps, and to apply concepts of geometric, kinematic and dynamic analysis; understand progressive metamorphism in a variety of rock sequences; be able to quantify the conditions of metamorphism; understand the relationships between metamorphism and tectonics; interpret geochronological data from metamorphic terrains; recognise and understand crustal fluid flow and anatexis.

Assessment

Closed book theory examination (2 hours): 45%
Open book practical examination (3 hours): 25%
Ongoing assessment of practical exercises submitted after each case study: 30%

Students must pass the theory examination to achieve an overall pass grade. Students who do not pass the theory examination will receive a mark of 45%, unless their aggregate mark is lower in which case that mark will be recorded.

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Roberto Weinberg

Prerequisites

ESC2111 or ESC2122