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 Dynamics of Crust and Mantle
Code ENVS355
Coordinator Prof J Wheeler
Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences
Johnwh@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 6 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To provide an overview of active tectonic processes that operate in the crust and mantle, with emphasis on high temperature phenomena in relation to mountain building and mantle convection (LO1-3)
To show how an understanding of atomic scale and grain scale processes is essential for understanding large scale dynamics (LO3, S1-3)
To introduce the techniques used to model and analyse those processes (S1-3)
To explain how solid crystalline rocks can deform at elevated temperatures, and how their deformation history can be deduced from observation (LO3, S1)
To describe how metamorphism relates to mountain building, and how the time evolution of pressure and temperature can be characterised (LO3, S1-3)
To develop analytical skills, including quantitative methods (S1-3)


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Knowledge and understanding of the structure and composition of the Earth

(LO2) Understanding of the processes by which mantle flow, plate motions and related crustal tectonics control large-scale structures on the Earth’s surface.

(LO3) Understanding of the processes responsible for the mineralogy, chemistry, isotopic signatures and microstructures of rocks on all scales from submicron to hundreds of kilometres

(S1) Use of quantitative modelling and analysis techniques

(S2) Use of methods for reconstruction and analysis of orogens

(S3) The evaluation, interpretation and synthesis of diverse and perhaps ambiguous data using theoretical ideas from throughout the degree programme


Syllabus

 

First 5 weeks
Mantle composition, flow and fabrics;
Mantle lithosphere dynamics;
Plate tectonic processes

Second 5 weeks
Advanced techniques for studying orogens;
Orogenic kinematics and dynamics;
Alpine orogeny synthesis


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Crust and mantle theory
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description: Crust and mantle practical skills
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Skills based practicals.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours       6

  20

14

40
Timetable (if known)       120 mins X 1 totaling 6
 
  60 mins X 2 totaling 20
 
 
Private Study 110
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Theory-style paper  2.5 hours    50       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Online practical report  6 pages including di    50       

Recommended Texts

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