GEOL 643 - Plate Tectonics

(3 units)

This course will provide a survey of the theory and processes that explain large scale motions of the tectonic plates, including mid-ocean ridge systems, subduction zones, continental rifting, transform faults, and collisional orogens. Students will become familiar with the effects of plate tectonic processes on Earth climate and evolution as well as the major periods of solid Earth history.

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Fall - Even Years

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. identify the three plate boundary types, describe geologic processes associated with them, and identify equivalent ancient examples in the rock record.
2. describe evidence that supports the plate tectonics paradigm, quantify the driving forces of plate motions, and analyze past plate motions.
3. interpret geological information in the context of a global plate tectonic framework to define how plate motions result in geographic and tectonic changes that impact Earth’s climatic and biological evolution.
4. evaluate and discuss selected current research publications on current topics in plate tectonics.
5. analyze diverse geologic and geophysical data sets to solve large-scale geologic problems, recognizing inconsistencies and ambiguities in interpretations of data.

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