Tectonophysics (Geophysics 525)

Susan Bilek
Geophysics Program
Department of Earth and Environmental Science
Socorro, New Mexico

This graduate course will cover the forces that have shaped and continue to affect our planet. Geodynamical processes operate over various spatial and temporal scales, including crystal deformation to long term plate motions. We will learn about the observations that have provided the basic understanding of planetary dynamics, as well as obtain the theoretical background necessary to interpret these observations. You will be expected to demonstrate your ability to solve geodynamic problems given various datasets and the background that you learn in this class. In addition, you will be required to read current research articles and synthesize the content into brief summaries and a final project. For more details, see the syllabus.

Spring 2009 Syllabus (pdf)

Contact Info

Office: MSEC 358; Phone: x6510; email: sbilek@nmt.edu

Office hours: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm Tuesdays in MSEC 358 (or by appointment)

Announcements

01/14 - The current syllabus is posted.

02/28 - MARGINS files here

Required Text

Geodynamics, 2nd edition by Turcotte and Schubert, Cambridge University Press, 2002 (available at the NMT bookstore)

Exercises and Projects

There will be 6 homework assignments which cover lecture and reading materials. In addition, you will turn in 2 paper reviews. These consist of reading a short paper, writing a 2 page summary of the paper (including a concise review of the problem, the authors suggested answer, and any thoughtful criticism), and give a short (5 min) summary to the class. To find papers, check out the library's webpage. You can find links to electronic versions of Science, Nature, and Geophysical Research Letters under the Electronic Journals link.

In addition, you will complete a final project which includes a short (10 minute) presentation during the last week of class and a short (7-8 pages) paper in GRL style (see the AGU webpage for format and reference style of this journal). More details are given in the class syllabus.

Lecture Schedule

1/20 - Course overview and introduction

1/22 - Features of the Earth

1/27 - Tectonic consequences

1/29 - Planetary observations

2/03 - Stress and strain measurements

2/05 - Stress and strain

2/10 - Stress and strain

2/12 - Elastic deformation

2/17 - 2D Flexure

2/19 - Flexure applications

2/24 - Heat conduction, flow, generation

2/26 - 1D,2D,& 3D conduction

3/03 - Heat: Geologic examples

3/05 - Intro to gravity and geoid

3/10 - NO CLASS - SPRING BREAK

3/12 - NO CLASS - SPRING BREAK

3/17 - Computer lab day - finalize reference outline

3/19 - Midterm Exam

3/24 - Gravity anomalies

3/26 - 1D flow, pipe flow

3/31 - 2D flow, pipe flow

4/02 - Post-glacial rebound

4/07 - Plumes and thermal convection

4/09 - NO CLASS -- SSA meeting

4/14 - Rheology

4/16 - NO CLASS

4/21 - Crust and mantle rheology

4/23 - Faults and friction

4/28 - Earthquakes and tectonics

4/30 - Earthquakes and tectonics

5/05 - Lecture wrap-up

5/07 - Student presentations