Advanced Structural Geology

Teaching semester

Autumn

Objectives and Content

Objectives:
The course includes a quantitative approach of stress and strain in various tectonic setting, advanced aspects of rock deformation and rheology in the light of brittle, ductile and plastic deformation processes, an appraisal of the spectrum of complex deformation geometries, approaches of balancing and restoring deformation, as well as aspects of climate-tectonic interaction. In a series of seminars, students apply their gained knowledge to regional geology aspects of Bergen, Norway and Scandinavia.

Content:
Structural Geology and Tectonics examines the deformation of earth´s lithosphere. The course aims to provide advanced theoretical aspects of rock deformation. Besides quantitative aspects of stress and strain analyses, the broad spectrum of deformation complexities in contractional, extensional and strike-slip regimes at various scales are highlighted. The course provides an in depth understanding of the rheological properties of the lithosphere, including brittle and plastic deformation processes at the microscale. At the macroscale, the interaction between climate and tectonic is discussed. Lectures are accompanied by a series of practicals with the objective to apply and strengthen the gained knowledge in various exercises.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge
The student

• have an advanced understanding of stress, strain, rheology and deformation, including quantitative aspects thereof
• recognize moderately complex structures and can relate these to specific deformation regimes
• have an advanced insight into brittle and plastic deformation processes at the microscale and a basic knowledge of DPTt-path
• know that tectonic styles can result from a combination of endogenous and exogenous processes

Skills
The student can

• quantitatively describe stress and strain
• qualitatively describe conditions for brittle and viscous failure
• plot and interpret advanced structural data sets
• unravel, restore and balance moderately complex deformation histories
• discuss aspects in structural geology and tectonics with respect to the regional geology of Bergen and Norway at an advanced level

General competance
The student

• can undertake a structural field investigation with moderate complexity
• understand and can evaluate structural data from reports, maps and publications
• can participate in discussion in structural geology and tectonics at a moderate level

Required Previous Knowledge

Principals of structural geology

Access to the Course

Access to the course requires admission to a program of study at The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

Teaching and learning methods

• Lectures, 2 hours per week
• Practicals, 2 hours per week

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Mandatory participation in practicals and fieldwork. Mandatory assignments are valid for 2 subsequent semesters.

Forms of Assessment

The forms of assessment are:

• Written exam, 4 hours

Examination Support Material

Non-programmable calculator, according to the faculty regulations

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

Assessment Semester

Examination both spring semester and autumn semester. In semesters without teaching the examination will be arranged at the beginning of the semester.

Reading List

The reading list will be available within June 1st for the autumn semester and December 1st for the spring semester.

Course Evaluation

The course will be evaluated by the students in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the department.

Course Coordinator

The course coordinator and administrative contact person can be found on Mitt UiB, or you may contact studierettleiar@geo.uib.no

Course Administrator

The Faculty for Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Earth Science has the administrative responsibility for the course and program