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Semester 2

Structural Analysis of Rocks and Regions (SARR) (EASC09052)

Subject

Earth Science

College

SCE

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

3

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Course Summary

Structural geology and rock deformation affect a large number of economic, environmental and societal interfaces with planet Earth, and the response of rocks to plate motions shapes our planet's appearance. This course will teach not only a fundamental knowledge of the parameters that govern the relationship between stress and strain but put the rock response into a perspective that seamlessly ties in with material taught in related courses. The course introduces key concepts of structural geology and tectonic analyses. Over 10 weeks, a broad range of topics are covered, and the basics of the structural analysis of rocks is being conveyed. The course starts with the driving forces of rock deformation and its fundamental descriptors. It then covers the principal types of deformation structures before demonstrating the most relevant tectonic settings and their typical macro-, meso-, and microstructures. Specialist skills relevant to the topics covered each week are trained in practicals. Students furthermore consolidate and deepen their knowledge on structural geology and tectonics in an independent project. In that project they utilise their new skills and knowledge to summarise the deformation history of one of five deformed regions over seven weeks. The course follows entry level textbooks on Structural Geology.

Course Description

The course exposes you to multi-scale data sets from a wide range of structural settings. The course runs over nine weeks, with 5-7 contact hours per week (2 lectures, 1 practical, 1 Q&A session). Each week is dedicated to a particular structural topic, which is introduced in the lectures and illustrated through well-chosen examples. The course covers a wide range of deformation processes and styles. In preparation for the thematic lectures and practicals, students are referred to selected chapters in textbooks to pick up the fundamental ideas of structural geology and tectonics, which are then applied in the classroom. Weekly practicals train skills relevant to the topic. In an independent project between weeks 3 and 10, you will engage with one of five deformed regions we propose, and summarise its structural geology using a selection of research papers, maps, cross sections, outcrop photographs and hand specimens. You will combine all of these materials in the preparation for your talks, which you will give in week 10. The learning materials are coordinated through LEARN, which also hosts a discussion forum that is monitored and moderated by academic staff. The course is delivered by two academic staff. Syllabus Week 1: Deformation and strain (kinematics): How do we describe deformation? Week 2: Stress & Stress in the lithosphere Week 3: Fracturing, faults, paleostress Week 4: Rheology & Deformation at the microscale: How to best deal with stress under varying circumstances. Week 5: Shear zones, strain localization, mylonites Week 6: Foliations and Lineations Week 7: Folding & Boudinage Week 8: Contractional Regimes Week 9: Extensional Regimes Week 10: Strike-slip, transtension, transpression Further Course Information https://path.is.ed.ac.uk/courses/EASC09052_SV1_SEM2 http://www.drps.ed.ac.uk/20-21/dpt/cxeasc09052.htm

Assessment Information

Written Exam 50%, Coursework 50%, Practical Exam 0%

Additional Assessment Information

Assessment Details Coursework: 50% Exam: 50% The course is assessed through an independently produced, professional 15-minute oral presentation (50% of the final mark), where you explore pre-formulated research questions on one of the field areas. You will receive the questions and assessment criteria in week 3 and then have until week 10 to prepare a talk. To do so, you have access to a wide range of research papers and are encouraged to source further material online. Between week 3 and 10, instructors are available to give you feedback on your progress and the quality of your work. You will have to present your progress to your peers and get formative feedback in week 6. The exam is 50% of the final mark and its format will depend on the circumstances with respect to the Covid-19 situation. You will be informed when the course begins. http://www.ed.ac.uk/student-administration/exams/regulations/common-marking-scheme Assessments & DeadlinesProgress Presentation (Formative) Semester 2, Monday Week 615 Minutes Oral Presentation (Summative, 50%): Semester 2 Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday Week 10 (submit presentation by Monday 9am week 10 via Turnitin)Exam: In-Person

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