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Tectonics
Tektonik
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:06:21
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
Lecture Notes
Detailed scriptum in digital form and additional learning moduls (www.lead.ethz.ch) available on intranet.
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
- German
- Levels
- BSC , DS , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Tektonik
Permission from lecturers required for all students.
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2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Advanced Studies (These courses normally have to be attended in the 5th or the 7th semester. The complementary courses are sumarized at the end.)
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Earth Sciences Bachelor (Information on the Bachelor: )
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Major in Geology: Core Courses (From the list of core courses offered in winter and summer semester 26 credit points must be aquired.)
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Major in Geology: Electives (From the offered elective courses in spring and fall term 9 credits must be acquired. Primarily courses from the core courses of BSc Earth Sciences have to be selected. Other elective courses from the ETH and University of Zurich are possible, however they must be granted by the advisor of geology (Professor W. Winkler). Courses of the paleontology of the University of Zurich (further offer under ): The following courses from the offer of the UZH are available:)
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Major in Geophysics: Core Courses (From the list of core courses offered in winter and summer semester 26 credit points must be aquired.)
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Major in Geophysics: Electives (From the offered credit points in the winter and summer semester 15 KP have to be aquired. In the winter semester primary courses from the list of core courses from the BSc Earth Science should be chosen. Other courses from the entire choice of ETH and UZH courses are possible, however must be approved by the Fachberater Geophysics (Prof. E. Kissling).)
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