EAE2511 - Deep earth processes

Overview

This unit is about understanding processes that continuously change the Earth's crust. The unit starts with minerals and magmatic and volcanic rocks, focusing on how they form and how volcanic activity is controlled by plate tectonics. It then goes on to investigate how rocks deform as a result of the forces of plate tectonics to form mountains or to split continents apart. The final part of the unit investigates how rocks become metamorphosed when they are pushed deep into continents by plate tectonics. At the end of this unit you will have an understanding of how plate tectonics control magmatism and metamorphism and how rocks deform to modify the crust. These topics are essential for understanding geological processes and therefore the origin of continents and oceans and their hazards and resources.

Offerings

S2-01-CLAYTON-ON-CAMPUS

Rules

Enrolment Rule

Contacts

Chief Examiner(s)

Professor Roberto Weinberg

Unit Coordinator(s)

Professor Roberto Weinberg

Notes

Please note: Practical activities are compulsory in this unit. Alternative assessment is available for students with special consideration.

Please note: - Assessment 2. All practical classes, including assessed ones are compulsory.

You have to pass the assessment (achieve at least 50% of the mark)

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

Interpret geological processes in the context of global tectonic settings and to demonstrate a broad, integrated overview of crustal processes on planet Earth;

Analyse magmatic, metamorphic rocks and their deformation (structures);

Interpret tectonic environments from magmatic, metamorphosed and deformed rocks;

Reconstruct the link between the variety of rock types and plate tectonics. How mountain-building and continental rifting processes drive processes that give rise to this variety.

Assessment

1 - Quizzes

2 - Practical work including field trip

3 - Final assessment Part 1

MCQ and Short answer quiz

You have to pass the assessment (achieve at least 50% of the mark)

Value %:15

Hurdle type:Threshold

Hurdle description:

Where you fail the hurdle but would have otherwise achieved a mark of 45 or above you will be awarded a mark of 45 and an NH (hurdle fail) for the unit.

Where you fail the hurdle and would also have failed the unit with a mark of 44 or below, you will be awarded your mark and an N grade for the unit.

4 - Final Assessment - Part 2

Scheduled and non-scheduled teaching activities

Lectures

Practical activities

Workshops

Workload requirements

Workload

Other unit costs

Costs are indicative and subject to change.
There are two, one-day field trips; estimated cost is $50.

A limited number of field trip scholarships are available via application to the Unit Coordinator. Alternative assessment is available for students with special consideration.

Adequate clothing and protective footwear (closed) appropriate for field work and working outdoors MUST be worn and are at your expense.

Availability in areas of study

Earth science