GEOL 4660 - Geodynamics: The Earth’s Interior

• Briefly describe Phanerozoic geology, tectonics and biology in the context of the 4.5 billion year history of the Earth.
• Compose critical analyses of selected scientific papers using the fundamentals of technical and scientific writing.
• Compose written syntheses of selected scientific papers.
• Conceptually describe the rheology of mantle lithologies and the convective upward heat transport through sub-lithospheric mantle.
• Describe mantle heterogeneity of radioactive isotopes and its implications for mantle convection styles and the growth of continents over geologic time.
• Describe the growth of continents at Andean type convergence zones via magmatic underplating and terrane accretion.
• Describe the thickening of continental lithosphere in zones of Alpine-Himalayan type convergence and the resulting uplift, intracrustal melting and extensional relaxation.
• Describe the thinning of continental lithosphere during periods of extension and its role in the production of flood basalts and the initiation of rifting or the eventual strain-hardening of the lithosphere.
• Know the layering and composition of average continental crust.
• Understand the composition, state and processes operating within the core and current dynamo theories for the geomagnetic field.
• Understand the mechanical properties of continental lithosphere and its strength in compression and extension as a function of temperature.
• Understand the relationship between global seismology and the spherical layering of the planet.