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Fundamentals of Geology I: Earth's Interior
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:08
Abstract
The Planet Earth, its interior and the plate tectonics as unifying theory. The rock cycle and the minerals and rocks. Igneous, Metamorphic and Sedimentary rocks. Deformation and earthquakes. Exploration of the earth interior.
Objective
Understanding the Earth System and the multi-disciplinar approach to the Earth Sciences. Framing the various minerals and rocks into plate tectonics and the rock cycle. Discussing the main tools for exploring the earth interior and understanding the deformation of rocks at various depths. Earthquakes and volcanoes and associated danger.
Content
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 of the Book: Understanding Earth (8th Edition, 2020), By John Grotzinger and Thomas Jordan. CH 1 THE EARTH SYSTEM The Scientific Method Geology as a Science Earth’s Shape and Surface Peeling the Onion: Discovery of a Layered Earth Earth as a System of Interacting Components An Overview of Geologic Time CH 2 PLATE TECTONICS: THE UNIFYING THEORY The Discovery of Plate Tectonics The Plates and Their Boundaries Rates and History of Plate Movements The Grand Reconstruction Mantle Convection: The Engine of Plate Tectonics The Theory of Plate Tectonics and the Scientific Method CH 3 EARTH MATERIALS: MINERALS AND ROCKS What Are Minerals? The Structure of Matter The Formation of Minerals Classes of Rock- Forming Minerals Physical Properties of Minerals What Are Rocks? The Rock Cycle: Interactions Between the Plate Tectonic and Climate Systems Concentrations of Valuable Mineral Resources CH 4 IGNEOUS ROCKS: SOLIDS FROM MELTS How Do Igneous Rocks Differ from One Another? How Do Magmas Form? Magmatic Differentiation Forms of Igneous Intrusions Igneous Processes and Plate Tectonics CH 5 VOLCANOES Volcanoes as Geosystems Lavas and Other Volcanic Deposits Eruptive Styles and Landforms Interactions of Volcanoes with Other Geosystems The Global Pattern of Volcanism Volcanism and Human Affairs CH 6 SEDIMENTATION: ROCKS FORMED BY SURFACE PROCESSES Surface Processes of the Rock Cycle Sedimentary Basins: The Sinks for Sediments Sedimentary Environments Sedimentary Structures Burial and Diagenesis: From Sediment to Rock Classification of Siliciclastic Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks Classification of Chemical and Biological Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks CH 7 METAMORPHISM: ALTERATION OF ROCKS BY TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE Causes of Metamorphism Types of Metamorphism Metamorphic Textures Regional Metamorphism and Metamorphic Grade Plate Tectonics and Metamorphism CH 8 DEFORMATION: MODIFICATION OF ROCKS BY FOLDING AND FRACTURING Plate Tectonic Forces Mapping Geologic Structure How Rocks Deform Basic Deformation Structures Styles of Continental Deformation Unraveling Geologic History CH 10 EARTHQUAKES What Is an Earthquake? How Do We Study Earthquakes? Earthquakes and Patterns of Faulting Earthquake Hazards and Risks Can Earthquakes Be Predicted? CH 11 EXPLORING EARTH’S INTERIOR Exploring Earth’s Interior with Seismic Waves Layering and Composition of Earth’s Interior Earth’s Internal Temperature Visualizing Earth’s Three-Dimensional Structure Earth’s Magnetic Field and the Geodynamo
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Semesterly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| revision course / private study |
Fundamentals of Geology I: Earth's Interior
Self-study course. No presence required.
Please contact the subject advisor Dr. Vincenzo Picotti (Major Geology) for further information.
|
No time listed | 90 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Course Units for Additional Admission Requirements (The courses below are only available for MSc students with additional admission requirements.)
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