Earth Sciences

AIMS

To demonstrate the working of the Earth as a planet (dynamics). Students will learn the internal structure of the Earth (crust, mantle and core), the way it convects, how it loses heat, how this is manifested in plate tectonics. They will also the learn the geological hazards associated with these processes and the methods involved in studying the Earth as a planet.

Practical classes will be used to demonstrate common and simple methds of studying the Earth. In particular basic seismology, analysis of plate motions, hotspots and plate kinematics, and hazard and risk mapping,

OUTCOMES

An understanding of how why the Earth works and behaves in the way it does. They will know the internal structure and composition of the Earth. They will know the basic dynamical processes of convection and understand how it leads to surface structures and associated hazard.

CONTENT

Topics studied in lectures and practicals include:

• Introduction - Exploring the Earth;
• Structure and composition of the Earth;
• Heat;
• Driving Forces & Mantle Dynamics;
• Plate Tectonics Intro;
• Divergent Plate Boundaries;
• Convergent Plate Boundaries;
• Conservative Plate Boundaries;
• Seismic Waves and Earthquakes;