Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title EARTH STRUCTURE AND PLATE TECTONICS
Code ENVS112
Coordinator Dr PA Wallace
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Paul.Wallace@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 4 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

The “Earth structure and plate tectonics” module provide an introduction to the Earth and aim to teach students about:
1) the structure and composition of the Earth, the Earth’s gravitational and magnetic fields, and dynamics within the deep Earth; 2) the physics of Earth material and the geological time scale; and 3) plate tectonics.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) On completion of this module, students should have concepts and knowledge of the physical properties and behaviour of Earth materials.

(LO2) On completion of this module, students should have concepts and knowledge of the geological time scale and radiometric dating methods.

(LO3) On completion of this module, students should be able to understand the plate tectonic model and the relationship between plate tectonics and geological and geophysical observations in the major plate tectonic settings.

(LO4) On completion of this module, students should be able to explain and evaluate the relationships between Earth structure, composition, physical behaviour and Earth dynamics.

(LO5) On completion of this module, students should be able to explain and evaluate the relationships between plate tectonics and geological and geophysical processes and observations in the major plate tectonic settings.

(S1) On completion of this module, students should be able to manipulate geological and geophysical data to help understand Earth structure and processes.

(S2) On completion of this module, students should have developed their skills in problem solving including simple numerical problems.

(S3) On completion of this module, students should have developed their skills in numeracy through completion of assignments.

(S4) On completion of this module, students should have developed their skills in information synthesis and collation.

(S5) On completion of this module, students should have developed their skills in time management through assignment deadlines.


Syllabus

 

Global Seismology & the Internal Structure of the Earth.
Seismic evidence for crust, mantle and core; seismic discontinuities; velocity and  density structure of Earth, evidence for fluid outer core; composition of crust, mantle and core; mantle phase transitions; D” and core mantle boundary; thermal structure and thermal boundary layers; evidence for dynamic process.

Earth’s Gravitational and Magnetic Fields
Concepts and elementary theory of gravitational and magnetic fields; origins of Earth’s gravitational field, variation with latitude and height; origin of Earth’s magnetic field, variation with latitude, height and time.

The Earth in Relation to the Solar System
Internal structure and composition of other planets within the Solar System; comparison with Earth; origin of Solar System and planets.

Mantle and Core Dynamics
Elementary theory of convection, convection cells, Rayleigh number; viscosity, structu re of the Earth; thermal boundary layer convection; mantle convection, mantle plumes and plate tectonic, mantle convection models, seismic evidence for mantle convection; convection within the core, geomagnetic dynamo; theory of isostasy, local and regional isostasy.

Physics of Earth Material
An introduction to the driving forces, time-scales and small-scale processes that affect Earth materials and how these couple to material properties to explain large-scale processes in the Earth.

Geological Time Scale and Radiometric Dating
Relative and absolute dating of events and processes in the Earth.

Plate Tectonics
Historical background. Analysis of plate motions. Mid-ocean ridge systems, subduction systems(accretion trenches, magmatism and metamorphism), intraplate activity, transform zones, triple junction interactions, collision belts. Plate tectonics in the past and present.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lecture
Attendance Recorded: Yes


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 30

          30
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 120
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Written exam There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2  2 hours    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Online assessment There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2 - around week 2, depen  Online assessment ab    10       
Problem sheet Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Semester 2  Around 2 hours' work    10       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.