ESC3201 - Deformation of the crust - 2017

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 in zones of the Earth's crust affected by tectonism
3. show how these observations can be linked and used to infer the large scale evolution of the earth.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Identify and classify small to large scale structures and interpret their significance;
2. Apply concepts of geometric and kinematic structural analysis;
3. Identify deformational behaviour of major rock forming minerals at different conditions;
4. Develop a sound understanding of analysis and documentation of three-dimensional structures in the field;
5. Combine scientific data to understand the relationship between tectonic settings and deformation.

Closed book theory examination (2 hours): 45%

Open book practical examination (3 hours): 25%

Practical/field exercises: 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.

Two hours of lectures and three hours of practical work per week, plus three field days

See also Unit timetable information

Professor Roberto Weinberg

Geosciences

ESC2111 or ESC2122