Seismotectonics

Teaching semester

Spring

Objectives and Content

Objectives:
The purpose of the course GEOV255 Seismotectonics is to explain the relation between seismology and tectonics.

Content:
Processes associated with earthquakes occurring in different deformational settings such as convergent, divergent and transcurrent plate boundaries will be described through examples. The relation between the stress accumulation and strain will be described in global, regional and local scales. Additionally, deformation processes associated with the intraplate areas and stable continental interiors will be explained. Processes that are related to stress build-up, fault rupture and earthquakes will be defined. Application of paleoseismological methods in identifying pre-historic earthquakes will be presented.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge
The student can

• describe the relation between the stress accumulation and strain
• describe the relation between the fault regimes and the stress pattern
• explain processes associated with the deformation along plate boundaries and intraplate areas
• explain the relation between the fault rupture and earthquakes
• describe the geological processes associated with earthquakes

Skills
The student can

• compute the location of an earthquake based on seismograms recorded at different geographical places
• compute the magnitude of an earthquake based on seismograms recorded at different geographical places
• compute the focal mechanism of an earthquake based on seismograms recorded at different geographical places

General competence
The student can

• communicate basic concepts of Earth¿s deformation to a non-expert
• read scientific articles and summarize the content
• discuss scientific topics

Recommended Previous Knowledge

GEOV111

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

Lecture, 2 hours/week (13 weeks)
Assignments, 2 hours/week (7 weeks)

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Students are required to complete compulsory assignments, 2 hours/week (7 weeks)

Forms of Assessment

Written examination (4 hours) - 75%
Compulsory assignments - 25%
Both examination parts must be passed to receive final assessment in the course.

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 Deecember 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.

Programme Committee

The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the study programme and courses.

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.