GEOS3330Tectonics

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

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