Major Earth Processes

Short Description
An integrated geological view of Major Earth Processes.

Course Aims
To:
1. Provide an integrated geological view of the interactions between Major Earth Processes including orogenesis, subduction, extension, mantle processes, ocean geochemistry, palaeoclimates and the evolution and development of life.
2. Provide a forum for enhancing cross discipline thinking and discussion.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
At the end of this course, students should be able to integrate and distill a range of geological evidence from different sources, evaluate its significance and present reasoned arguments concerning current debates in Earth Science.
1) To describe the mechanisms and time scales of heat transfer in the Earth and explain their role in rock generation and crustal growth.
2) To recall the controls on subduction processes and the evolution of subduction zones through time.
3) To discuss the evidence for and against superplume events in Earth history.
4) To evaluate the relative role of tectonics and climate in the erosion of mountain chains and the feedback mechanisms influencing Earth climate.
5) To summarise the evidence in favour of a Snowball Earth during the Late Proterozoic and the alternative models to explain the glacial deposits.
6) To recognise the significance of mountains in Earth history and the mechanisms controlling their formation.
7) To explain the processes involved in the generation and migration of crustal terranes.
8) To summarise the key stages in the origin of life on Earth and factors controlling extinction events.