UWA Handbook 2024

Unit Overview

Description

The paradigm of plate tectonics encompasses both plate margins and intraplate areas, explaining the styles and distribution of deformation in the crust and the mantle through geologic time. This unit examines relationships between plate movements, large-scale crustal processes and deformation, flow of fluids through the crust (including those creating economic resources), and the geological structures that are produced and both plate boundaries and intraplate areas. This information is then used to interpret the tectonic evolution of ancient geological terrains, with particular emphasis on the Precambrian rocks and resources of Western Australia, and case studies of multi-scale scales. A compulsory field trip examines deformation and related metamorphism on the south coast of WA, and always runs in the period before semester 1 starts (compulsory; charges: cost of food and accommodation is borne by the student).

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Non-standard teaching period	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Details for undergraduate courses

• Level 3 core unit in the Geology; Integrated Earth and Marine Sciences; Geochemistry major sequences
• Level 3 elective

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate understanding of the origin, formation and development of tectonic plate boundaries and how to recognise them in the geological record; (2) demonstrate understanding of dynamic plate systems and how tectonic structures develop in each system; (3) apply these concepts to analyse geological terrains, both ancient and modern; and (4) use practical skills using techniques in structural geology and tectonic analysis.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) progressive assessment during semester; (2) field trip practical exercises and a report; and (3) research project. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Professor Myra Keep

Unit rules

Prerequisites

Successful completion of

three Unit(s) EART2232 Field Geology
and Unit(s) EART2231 Earth Materials
and EART2234 Earth Processes

Incidental fees

Incidental student fees and charges are costs incurred by students as part of their studies at UWA that are in addition to their tuition fees (further information is available here).
Participation in this unit will incur the following incidental fee(s):
Field Trip to Bremer Bay and Hopetoun (estimated cost - $300).

Contact hours

workshops: 3 x 2 hours per week
compulsory field trip: prior to start of semester (charges: cost of food and accommodation is borne by the student). Note that this trip runs prior to the start of semester. Please contact unit coordinator for details as early as possible if you are thinking of taking this unit. This is especially important if you are not coming directly from 2nd year or you are an international exchange student.

Texts

A comprehensive reading list is given at the beginning of the unit.