Vår 2019

GEO-3106 Tectonics - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Institutt for geovitenskap

Type of course

This course is available as a single course.

Course contents

The course gives a thorough treatment of deformation structures in extensional, contractional, and strike-slip geotectonic regimes. Various methods and tools will be used to analyze meso-scale and macro-scale ductile and brittle deformation structures, polyphase and partitioned deformation, and applied tectonic geomorphology. Use of seismic data, kinematic indicators, slip-linear data and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) will be highlighted. During a 3-day field course at the end of the semester, the students should map and analyze Precambrian ductile structures and post-Caledonian brittle tectonic elements in western Troms.

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 December for the spring semester. Exchange students and Fulbright students: 1 October for the spring semester.

Admission requirements

Bachelor's degree in geology, or a similar degree following a programme of study of at least three years, or similar education approved in accordance with the Norwegian Universities Act section 3-4. In addition, specialization in geology worth the equivalent of at least 80 ECTS credits is required. Normally, an average mark of C or better is required at the bachelor's degree level or other program for basis of admission.

Application code: 9371.

Objective of the course

Knowledge

The student has

¿ knowledge of the basic principles of plate tectonics.

¿ knowledge of mantle dynamics and crustal rheology.

¿ understanding of oceanic and continental rift structures and rift margins in extensional settings.

¿ understanding of oceanic and continental transform margins.

¿ knowledge of orogenic belts and compressional geotectonic regimes.

¿ understanding of the criteria and evidence for Precambrian tectonics in Norway (Western Troms) and Fennoscandia.

Skills

The student can

¿ use seismic data and field analysis to interpret the onshore-offshore architecture and tectonic geomorphology of rifted continental margins, with examples from the North-Atlantic rifted margin in Norway (Lofoten-Vesterålen).

¿ analyze transform margins such as Svalbard, SW Barents Sea margin, and the San Andreas fault.

¿ analyze convergent margins such as Cordillera/Rocky Mountains and the India-Asia collision zone.

¿ use macro- and mesoscale structures, kinematic indicators, and slip-linear data to analyze ductile and brittle faults/shear zones in various tectonic regimes.

¿ describe and analyze Precambrian tectonic elements from field observations.

General competences

The student can

¿ carry out the most important elements of geological research projects: penetrating literature, carrying out field research, analyzing data, and communicating results to fellow students/scientists.

¿ use data and geological knowledge to determine geotectonic regimes of ancient rock units.

¿ solve tectonic problems analytically and prompt in written English and present research results orally in plenum.

¿ work independent and in a team.

Language of instruction

English.

Teaching methods

24 hours lectures, 20 hours practical exercises, and 5 days field training.

Assessment

4 hours written exam that counts 100 % of the final grade.

Grading scale: Letter grades A-F, where F is fail. There will be a re-sit examination for students that did not pass the previous ordinary examination.

Compulsory learning activities

Approval of training in health, safety, and environment prior to the field course and excursion. This includes the use of helmets, high-visibility safety vests etc., and the use of geological equipment (e.g., hammer, spade, scraper, magnifier) in the field.

Admittance to the exam requires approved exercises and field report.

Date for examination

Written test 31.05.2019

The date for the exam can be changed. The final date will be announced at your faculty early in May and early in November.