Module overview
The course provides a comprehensive treatment of the geophysics of the Solid Earth.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Quantitatively describe all aspects of plate tectonics including paleomagnetism and the definition of the tectonic plates.
- Understand and know how to apply elastic plate bending theory.
- Quantitatively model heat conduction and convection in the earth.
- Quantitatively and Qualitatively describe the internal structure of the earth from crust to core.
- Model plate flexure and isostasy.
- Demonstrate seismic techniques used for imaging the earth’s subsurface and modelling earthquake sources and describe how these techniques have increased our knowledge of the solid earth.
Syllabus
Topics include seismology, heat flow, geomagnetism and paleomagnetism, with a particular focus on the geometry, kinematics and dynamics of plate motion. Simple models of lithosphere rheology are developed and applied to case studies.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Formal lectures: will provide the underlying theory to kinematics, dynamics, seismology, crustal seismics and heatflow. An outline of each lecture is provided prior to start of a lecture or on website/in manual. Each lecture systematically covers the main concepts and topics. Where relevant, lecturers' own research experience in the appropriate fields is brought into the lecturing sessions. References to the applicable chapter of course text and/or other relevant journal articles are provided as essential reading for each lecture.
Practical classes: will exemplify the theory and develop your practical skills in the analysis of plate kinematic and geodynamic data.
A wide range of support can be provided for those students who have further or specific learning and teaching needs.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Independent Study | 95 |
Teaching | 55 |
Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Assessment | 30% |
Problem sets | 70% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External