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651-3521-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-ERDW
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Tectonics

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Sean Willett, Prof. Dr. Whitney Behr
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:16:22

Abstract

Comprehensive understanding of evolution, mechanics, and rheology of divergent, convergent and wrenching tectonic systems from the lithospheric scale to local shallow crustal and outcrop-scales. Evaluation of plate tectonic and other orogenic processes through the study of reference examples of taken in Alps-Himalaya orogenic system.

Objective

Comprehensive understanding of evolution, mechanics, and rheology of divergent, convergent and wrenching tectonic systems from the lithospheric scale to local shallow crustal and outcrop-scales. Assessment of mechanisms responsible for plate movements (the Earth as a heat transfer machine, dynamics of earth mantle, plate driving forces) and subsequent large-scale structures (oceanic basins and cycle of the oceanic lithosphere, convergence and mountain systems and continental growth, etc) through theoretical and experimental information. Evaluation of plate tectonic and other orogenic processes through the study of reference examples of taken in Alps-Himalaya orogenic system.

Content

Plate tectonic frame work: earth cooling and mantle-plate interaction, three kinds of plate boundaries and their roles and characteristics, cycle of oceanic lithosphere, longlifety and growth of continents, supercontinents. Rheology of layered lithosphere and upper mantle. Obduction systems Collisions systems Extensional systems Basin evolution Passive and active continental margin evolution

Resources

Literature

Condie, K. C. 1997. Plate tectonics and crustal evolution. Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford. Cox, A. & Hart, R. B. 1986. Plate tectonics. How it works. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford. Dewey, J. F. 1977. Suture zone complexities: A review. Tectonophysics 40, 53-67. Dewey, J. F., Pitman III, W. C., Ryan, W. B. F. & Bonin, J. 1973. Plate tectonics and the evolution of the Alpine system. Geological Society of America Bulletin 84, 3137-3180. Kearey, P. & Vine, F. J. 1990. Global tectonics. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford. Park, R. G. 1993. Geological structures and moving plates. Chapman & Hall, Glasgow. Turcotte, D. L. & Schubert, G. 2002. Geodynamics. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Windley, B. F. 1995. The evolving continents. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, Chichester.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Tectonics
  • Fri 14:15-16:00 (NO C 6)
2 h weekly

Offered In