This course provides a theoretical and practical understanding of tectonics and volcanology, extensively informed by research being carried out in Birmingham. It covers insights into the processes of plate motion, continental extension and break-up, plate-boundary deformation, mantle melting, and magma transport, storage and eruption processes. These processes are illustrated with case studies from mid-ocean ridges, subduction zones, continental margins and intraplate volcanism, providing students with hands on experience of active research methods. Emphasis is placed on the latest developments in joint interpretation of geophysical, geochemical and modelling datasets and in understanding the limitations of these data. Processes underpinning volcanism and controlling eruption styles are investigated through physical and petrological interpretation of volcanic datasets, to provide an understanding of how this supports current monitoring and hazard management approaches.
At Level M, a greater depth of understanding is required than at Level H.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Critically evaluate the current framework of plate tectonics and its driving forces, and the context of tectonic processes, magmatism and volcanism within this.
Compare and critically evaluate the latest research into the key tectonic and magmatic processes occurring at plate margins.
Apply research-level techniques and analyses to geological, petrological, geophysical and volcanological data to further understanding of tectonic, magmatic and volcanic processes
Critically assess how tectonic, magmatic and volcanological processes are linked in the cohesive framework of plate tectonics to provide a unified view of the processes affecting our planet.
Explain and evaluate how the physical and chemical processes underpinning volcanism inform monitoring methods and hazard management strategies.
Assessment: 40% Practical-based coursework exercise; 60% 2 hr unseen examination, based on short- and long-answer questions – with distinct questions and more restricted choice relative to the LH equivalent.
