Following the development of the plate tectonic paradigm, there has been a revolution in our understanding of the interacting cycles within and on the Earth. This course focuses on the nature of these cycles from those involving whole-mantle processes to the exchanges taking place between and within the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. The biological cycles of carbon, sulfur and iron are fundamental for the evolution of Earth's crust and mantle. Major cycles include the downwelling (subduction) of lithospheric plates at subduction zones constituting the primary driver of plate tectonics. Some of the components of subducted lithosphere, including seawater, are transferred to the mantle at relatively shallow depths, and become involved in the melting cycles that lead to arc magmatism forming the primary building block of the continental crust, and re-emergence of recycled seawater. In addition to the cycle of ocean crust creation at mid-ocean ridges, the thermal energy released at the ridges drives the cycling of the oceans through the rocks in the vicinity of the ridge crest, which result in important chemical exchange. The rates of sea floor spreading and accompanying carbon dioxide emission are the fundamental controls on the global carbon cycle and long-term climate moderators. This course will detail the evolution the science that has lead to a more fundamental understanding of these ocean and climate interactions. The second part of this course details the development of Paleoceanography from the first papers on the use of stable isotope geochemistry in the 1950s, to the multi-proxy, multi-tracer approaches used today to delve into how oceans and climate have changed over millions of years.

Honours pathway option (HPO)

Additional readings of greater conceptual difficulty requiring an advanced scientific understanding will be made available for students enrolled in the Honours pathway option (HPO). 20 per cent of the marks available on the exam will be answers to alternate questions for HPO students. Integration of this material in the essay will be expected.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

Assessment will be based on:

• In class exams and practicals (70%; LO 1-4)
• Class participation (10%; LO 1-4)
• Presentations (20%; LO 1-4)

A maximum of 39 hours of lectures/tutorials and 26 hours of practicals.

EMSC2015

GEOL6027