Course handbook
Description
This course focuses on Tectonics, the field of Earth Science that aims to unravel the geological context in which deformation of the Earth’s crust occurs. Tectonics involves the integration of structural geology, sedimentology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, geochronology, geochemistry and geophysics. The course is built around an excursion to Broken Hill where evidence of multiple phases of deformation and metamorphism can be observed, and detailed structural mapping of folded high-grade metamorphic rocks is performed. The observations and measurements collected during the excursion are employed in a series of laboratory activities where you will learn to:
1) recognise metamorphic minerals and evaluate the metamorphic conditions
2) analyse quantitatively the pressure and temperature conditions from mineral chemistry
3) assess the age of deformation and metamorphism using metamorphic minerals and microstructure
4) map and analyse superposed deformation, and
5) assess temperature evolution using the forward modelling technique.
NOTE: This course has a compulsory field component scheduled prior to the start of semester 2. Students need to have enrolled prior to the posted commencement date of the field excursion and make themselves available during this time in order to complete the course.
Availability2021 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 2 - 2021
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Recognise metamorphic minerals and evaluate the metamorphic conditions;
2. Analyse quantitatively the pressure and temperature conditions from mineral chemistry;
3. Assess the age of deformation and metamorphism using metamorphic minerals and microstructure;
4. Map and analyse superposed deformation;
5. Assess temperature evolution using the forward modelling technique.
Content
GEOS3330 covers the following topics:
- Metamorphic rocks and facies.
- Metamorphic mineral textures and microstructure.
- Metamorphic phase equilibria.
- P-T-t paths and tectonic environments.
- Multi deformation and metamorphism
- Forward modelling of tectonic processes
This course also has a compulsory field component consisting of 5 days of high-level field mapping in a complex, multi deformed and metamorphosed geological environment. The field trip requires an up-front fee not covered by HECS that may vary with each offering of the course. Interested students should contact the School of Environmental and Life Sciences for more information.
Requisite
Students must have successfully completed GEOS2170 or GEOS2190 to enrol in this course.
Assumed knowledge
GEOS2080 and GEOS2190
Assessment items
Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Tutorial/Laboratory Exercises
Report: 2 x Reports
Compulsory Requirements
In order to pass this course, each student must complete ALL of the following compulsory requirements:
General Course Requirements:
- Field Study: There is a compulsory attendance requirement in this course. - Students must attend the excursion.
- Field Study: Induction Requirement - Students must attend and pass the induction requirements before attending these sessions. - In order to participate in this course, students must complete a compulsory safety and/or fieldwork induction.
Contact hours
Callaghan
Field Study
Face to Face Off Campus 63 hour(s) per Term Full Term
Field study is carried out during the break between semesters 1 and 2.
Laboratory
Face to Face On Campus 12 hour(s) per Term Full Term
Lecture
Face to Face On Campus 12 hour(s) per Term Full Term
Includes induction.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.