91679 - Tectonics and Geodynamics

Learning outcomes

The course analyzes the mechanisms and processes that shape the structure of the Earth and steer its complex evolution through space and in time. It provides a sound description of its thermal evolution and the mechanics of deformation of crust and mantle. The course focuses particular attention on the evolution of plate tectonic boundaries at different spatial and temporal scales, with an emphasis on their classic rheological end-member behaviours and the geologic features and processes associated therein.

Course contents

By combining a balanced theory- and exercise-based approach, students will learn the subject by:

· Comprehensively analyzing the evolution, mechanics and rheology of the Earth as a whole and of its key tectonic constituents such as divergent, convergent and wrenching systems, from the lithospheric scale down to local and outcrop-scales.

· Carefully assessing the mechanisms responsible for plate movements (e.g., the Earth as a heat transfer machine, the dynamics of the Earth mantle and plate-driving forces) and strain record by large-scale structures (oceanic basins and cycle of the oceanic lithosphere, mountain systems and continental growth etc.).

· Recognizing, describing and evaluating plate tectonic and other orogenic processes through time and space by the study of reference examples from the globe.

Selected topics:

- The paradigm of plate tectonics and concise analysis of the basic physical parameters steering the geodynamic behaviour of the Earth (Pressure; Temperature; Strain rate; Presence of fluids and their influence on rock rheology; Geological Time); Earth structure and its dynamic behavior in space and through time; Driving forces behind the dynamic Earth (mantle flow, heat flow, lithosphere strength profiles, slab pull and ridge push, tectonic systems with destructive plate boundaries and subduction zones, constructive plate boundaries and oceanization, conservative plate boundaries and shallow earthquakes; plate movements, plate isostasy, obduction, island-arc/continent collision, continent/continent collision, intracontinental collision; Deformation of the Crust and Mantle).

- Chosen examples of important geodynamic provinces of the Earth as a way to study in a comprehensive and holistic way the functioning of our Planet: Oman as example of an obduction orogen; the Apennines as an example of dynamic orogenic prism; the Alps and Himalaya, as an example of continent-continent complex collisional system; Southeast Asia, as an example of extrusion tectonics.

- The rock record will be used to disclose and analyse fundamental phenomena occurring along subduction zones, with representative examples from the Alps, the Apennines and the Scandinavian Caledonides. In particular, fluid-rock interaction and its feedback on seismicity along subduction zones will be explored. Finally, the study of exhumation mechanisms will help to define and constrain the complex spatio-temporal evolution of subduction zones.

Readings/Bibliography

This being an advanced course, it will rely on the study of specific scientific papers and book chapters that will be suggested to the class in due time during the course.

Teaching methods

The course will be held in English. The course will not be a classic overview of the main classic contents of Tectonics and Geodynamics. Rather, the lecturers, once they'll have provided a sufficiently strong knowledge background, will cover in depth a number of chosen topics through seminars, class study of scientific papers and open, interactive class discussions. The active participation of students to the learning environment will be sought, encouraged and appreciated.

Assessment methods

Students will be evaluated based on a final oral examination.

Office hours

See the website of Giulio Viola

See the website of Francesco Giuntoli