Plate tectonic movements over geologic time impact all aspects of Earth' systems including climate change, ocean circulation, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, mineral deposit formation. In this class, we analyze the plate tectonic model from two perspectives: 1. The evidence supporting the plate tectonics model, from the structure of the lithosphere to active tectonics, 2. The analysis of past plate motions and how they are recorded in rocks.
Learning outcomes for this class:
- Understand and describe evidence that supports the plate tectonics paradigm.
- Identify and characterize active tectonic environments and equivalent ancient examples preserved in the rock record.
- Quantify the driving forces of plate tectonics and how they depend on compositional and thermal structure of the earth.
- Analyze and derive past plate motions.
- Discuss Earth’s history and how to constrain past plate motions.