Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - EASC 309 D100

Global Tectonics (3)

Class Number: 1292

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Mon, Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 15, 2021
    Wed, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EASC 201, 204, 205, 206 and 207. All with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The study of motion and deformation of the earth's crust and upper mantle at a regional and global scale. A detailed examination of plate tectonic theory: plate boundary types, mechanics of plate movements, basin formation and mountain building. Case studies of major orogenic belts of the world highlighting regional structural deformation processes in response to tectonic stresses. Students are required to attend a weekend field trip during this course. Students with credit for EASC 407 prior to fall 1998 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

General: The Plate Tectonics paradigm is the fundamental basis for all aspects of our current understanding of the Earth Sciences. We will examine the fundamentals of plate tectonics, mechanics of plate motions, characteristics of major plate boundaries, neotectonics, formation of orogenic belts, tectonic controls on major sedimentary basins, tectonic controls on the formation and location of all major economic deposits (metal, hydrocarbon and industrial), the evolution of tectonic processes over time, tectonic controls on climate change and the evolution of life, and many other aspects of how plate tectonics drives our world and how the planet drives plate tectonics. Student seminars will provide indepth information on specific topics. Labs will include simple exercises in plate motions, paleomagnetics, structural geology, as well as other techniques used to study tectonic systems.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the principles of Plate Tectonics and the various lines of evidence used in support of the Plate Tectonics paradigm
  • demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental importance of Plate Tectonics in the context of Earth evolution and how the theory accounts for the development of Earth’s geological features, both past and present
  • identify and describe lithospheric plates, plate boundaries, relative movements of the plates, and place them within a Global Tectonics context
  • assess first motions data and apply it to focal mechanism solutions
  • calculate and assess relative plate motions

Grading

  • Midterm Exam 25%
  • Lab Exercises/Assignments 15%
  • Lab Final 20%
  • Final Exam 40%

NOTES:

Ideally, lectures and lab will be F2F; if not, lectures and labs will be provided synchronously through Canvas and Zoom

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Technology:

A computer or tablet, internet access, Canvas and Zoom access, and a webcam

REQUIRED READING:

Course E-Text:

"Global Tectonics"; Kearey, P., Klepeis, K.A. and Vine, F.J.; 3rd Edition 2013; Blackwell Publishing
ISBN: 97811188445105

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.