2015/16 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
SOEE5645M Plate Tectonics and Geodynamics (MGeol)
15 creditsClass Size: 10
Module manager: Dr Andrew McCaig
Email: a.m.mccaig@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2015/16
Pre-requisite qualifications
Pass at second year Geological Sciences or equivalent, satisfactory performance in previous year.Pre-requisites
SOEE2590 | Mineralogy and Petrology |
This module is mutually exclusive with
SOEE3470 | Plate Tectonics & Geodynamics |
SOEE3530 | Global Geophysics |
SOEE5665M | Global Geophysics |
This module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
On completion of this module, students should:- have a general overview of current ideas and models relating to Plate Tectonics/Kinematics and Mantle Dynamics;
- be capable of critical appraisal and discussion of these ideas and models. They should develop their skills of objectivity - to learn to weigh the evidence for a particular model and to distinguish between hard facts and inference or supposition;
- develop a more independent style of learning. This will involve active participation in lectures and practicals, making their own lecture notes rather than relying on structured handouts, and undertaking 3-4 hours of directed reading each week;
- improve their ability to work in a small group on a focused integrative task to strict deadlines;
- have produced an individual report focused onto one of the other poster type topics (not done as a part of a group). This will require synthesis and evaluation of a wide range of scientific literature;
- be capable of rapidly solving problems using a variety of geological data, applying a range of practical skills
Syllabus
Provisional syllabus - see module handout for detailed syllabus
(A) Plate Kinematics :
- Relative plate motions; rotation vectors; relationship between rotation vector and relative motion at a point, velocity diagrams
- Rotation vectors, working out relative plate motions (magnetic anomalies, GPS, laser interferometry), plate motion circuits, finite rotations, apparent polar wander paths
- Absolute plate motions, reference frames, fault plane solutions
(B) Geodynamics:
- Mantle structure and dynamics; 410 km, 660 km and D" discontinuities; compositional versus thermal convection, and the existence of mantle plumes. Geophysical and geochemical constraints on the nature of mantle convection
- Heat flow and heat generation in the Earth. How hot is the mantle? The adiabat and the geotherm; thermal subsidence and mid ocean ridges
- Subduction zone processes: stresses and earthquakes in subducting slabs; olivine phase changes; earth quake mechanisms; types of melt (Island arc tholeites, andesites, boninites, adakites); thermal modelling, dehydration and slab melting
- Construction of oceanic crust; slow vs fast spreading
- Comparative subductology; back-arc basins, plate coupling; slab roll-back; absolute plate motions; comparison of IBM and Andean subduction systems
- Plate driving forces
(C) Poster presentation
Combination of private study and group work, plus 1 x 2 hour Poster Session where each group will get a mark and feedback on their poster. Individual marks will also be assessed. These will develop your ideas and understanding of the module.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Presentation | 1 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
Lecture | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
Practical | 4 | 2.00 | 8.00 |
Private study hours | 129.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 21.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 |
Private study
Class tests, exams and assessment (independently research project) - 50 hoursGroup learning (poster preparation) - 30 hours
Preparatory reading and exam revision - 49 hours
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Through course assessment and face to face interaction in practicals and help sessions.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Report | 2,500 words | 33.00 |
Group Project | Poster project | 20.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 53.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Practical Exam / OSCE | 2 hr 00 mins | 47.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 47.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 13/04/2015
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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