EMSC8016 Plate Tectonics and Mantle Dynamics
| Offered By | RSES Admin |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | Earth and Marine Science |
| Offered in | First Semester, 2009, Winter Session, 2009, Autumn Session, 2010, and Winter Session, 2010 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description | The course will briefly survey the evidence for moving plates and the distinctive ways in which the plates move and evolve. A review of heat conduction and viscous fluid flow will lead into a simple but fundamental theory of thermal convection, emphasising the key role of thermal boundary layers and extracting simple scaling rules. The distinctive behaviours of thermal boundary layers in the mantle. controlled by dramatic changes in the mechanical properties of mantle material, will be explored. Predictions from these ideas will be used to identify the most useful constraints from geophysical and geochemical observations. The course will conclude with brief indications of the complicating role of compositional density and differences and some potential implications for earth history. |
| Course Classification(s) | AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs. and SpecialistSpecialist courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide for the acquisition of specialist skills; or 'second degree' and higher level of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs; or knowledge associated with professional accreditation. |
| Areas of Interest | Earth and Marine Sciences |
| Eligibility | Bachelor degree; with first year Maths. |
| Requisite Statement | Maths to a first year level is required. |
| Academic Contact | Dr Geoff Davies |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2009 website applies to the 2009 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2008 website.
