Welcome to Plate Tectonics and Geodynamcs!   We are surrounded by evidence that the Earth is an evolving, dynamic planet -- earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, uplifting mountains, and subsiding basins all indicate active movement and modification of the Earth.  Plate tectonic theory provides a framework in which we can organize and understand a wide variety of these phenomena. In addition, it gives us a powerful tool to reconstruct the paleogeography and ancient tectonic history of our planet. Geodynamics is the aspect of geology and geophysics that examines the forces acting within the Earth to cause this dynamic behavior.

Objectives of the Class
Attached is a syllabus outlining the plan for the semester. After completion of this class, students will:

• know the geologic and geophysical foundation of plate tectonic theory
• understand the geodynamic forces acting within the Earth to cause plate movements
• recognize the structural, sedimentologic, petrologic, and geophysical signatures of modern tectonic environments
• be able to quantitatively reconstruct Earth’s paleogeography and the evolution of ancient mountain belts using plate tectonic principles.

In keeping with the multidisciplinary nature of tectonic analysis, we will examine and integrate a wide variety of information. Because the subject covers a broad spectrum, there are many paths we can take. Feel free to suggest aspects of tectonics you would like to see emphasized as we proceed; the syllabus is somewhat flexible, and we will try to respond to everyone’s interests as time allows.

Grades will be based on three 1-hour exams and a few homework assignments. Students in 597 will write a term paper due at the end of the semester (details will be discussed in class). We will try to organize an hour outside of lecture when we can all get together and review relevant papers from the literature or work on homework as a group. The homework problems are straight forward, once you understand how to proceed. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call or stop by my office. I look forward to exploring plate tectonics and geodynamics with you!

cheers,

C. J. Northrup

office: MG 223B
phone : 426-1009
email: cjnorth@bsu.idbsu.edu

8-25    What do we mean by Plate Tectonics and Geodynamics?

8-27    History of a Revolution: Observations and Insights that led to Plate Tectonic Theory

9-1     The BIG Picture Today: Earth’s Anatomy and First-Order Tectonic Features

9-3     Basic Two-Plate Interactions: Convergence, Divergence, and Strike-slip Movement

9-8      no class - I’ll be away

9-10    Multiple-plate systems: Relative Velocities and Vector Circuits

9-15    Triple Junctions: Relative Motion and Stability Analysis

9-17    Plates on a Sphere: Euler Poles and Plate Rotations

9-22    Finite Rotation versus Angular Velocity

9-24    Pictures of the Past: Reconstructing Paleogeography

9-29    Watching the Movie: Stage Poles and Ancient Plate Motions

10-1    EXAM 1

10-6      Overview: Ocean Basins and Oceanic Lithosphere

10-8      Where it all starts: Mid-Oceanic Ridges and Spreading Centers

10-13    Transform Faults, Fracture Zones, and hotspots

10-15    Where it all goes: Subduction Zones and Convergent Plate Boundaries

10-20    Overview: Continental Lithosphere

10-22    Continental Rifts and Extensional Tectonics

10-27    No Class (GSA meeting)

10-29    No Class (GSA meeting)

11-3        Passive Continental Margins

11-5       Continental Growth and Accretionary Tectonics

11-10    Continent-Continent Collisions

11-12    No Class (I’ll be at ISU)

11-17    Geodynamics: What Drives Plate Tectonics?

11-19    EXAM 2

11-24    The Cordillera

11-26    The Alps

12-1      Paleozoic orogens and the assembly of Pangea

12-3       Proterozoic tectonics: the assembly and fragmentation of Rodinia(?)

12-8      Archean tectonics: plates or no plates?

12-10    A look back...

FINAL EXAM: Tuesday, December 15, 10:30-12:30