Module Information
Module Identifier
EA11710
Module Title
The Dynamic Earth
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Lecture | 22 x 1 Hour Lectures |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Exam | 2 Hours Multiple short answer examination. | 100% |
| Supplementary Exam | 2 Hours Same format. | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On succesful completion of this module, students should demonstrate knowledge of :-
- the origin of the chemical elements and their behaviour on Earth
- the interaction of geological systems and chemical elements
- the structure of the Earth with its chemical evolution
- the driving forces for the present day tectonics of the planet
- basic geophysical methods of investigating the inner structure of the Earth
- Plate Tectonics and an ability to demonstrate how a knowledge of plate processes helps in determining the gross scale distribution of rocks, minerals, fossils and tectonic features
Aims
The aim of this module is to establish the chemical and physical framework of the Earth and to show how this framework has controlled the geological development of the Earth including the major features of present continental and oceanic areas.
Brief description
The module will describe the origin of the solar system and outline the theories which have been used to account for the formation of the Sun, Earth and other planets. The chemistry of the major groups of meteorites will be introduced and their importance in understanding the Earth's evolution will be covered. The origin of chemical elements and their sequence of condensation will be introduced and this information, together with the evidence gained from the study of meteorites, will be used to describe the chemical evolution of the Earth.
The chemical and structural evolution of the Earth will be considered leading to an understanding of the present day distribution of elements within the planet.
In the lectures on magnetic studies the Earth's magnetic field will be described, its behaviour, in geological time discussed and the application of magnetism preserved in rocks will be explained. The periodical reversals of the Earth's magnetic field will be described leading to an understanding of the reversal time scale.
In the lectures on gravity the acceleration due to gravity and its measurement will be described. Isostacy will be introduced and its implications for the vertical and lateral movement of the outer part of the Earth described.
The lectures on Earth chemistry and physics will lead into the description of Plate Tectonics. The history and concept of continental drift will be described and the origin of major Earth features will be discussed in a plate tectonic framework using both modern and ancient examples.
The chemical and structural evolution of the Earth will be considered leading to an understanding of the present day distribution of elements within the planet.
In the lectures on magnetic studies the Earth's magnetic field will be described, its behaviour, in geological time discussed and the application of magnetism preserved in rocks will be explained. The periodical reversals of the Earth's magnetic field will be described leading to an understanding of the reversal time scale.
In the lectures on gravity the acceleration due to gravity and its measurement will be described. Isostacy will be introduced and its implications for the vertical and lateral movement of the outer part of the Earth described.
The lectures on Earth chemistry and physics will lead into the description of Plate Tectonics. The history and concept of continental drift will be described and the origin of major Earth features will be discussed in a plate tectonic framework using both modern and ancient examples.
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4