Morphotectonics 1300-OMTK4L
Course presents contemporary methods of reconstruction of tectonic and neotectonic processes based on geomorphological analysis, cosmogenic isotopes and low temperature thermochronolgy. Students will learn about the types of tectonic structures and their reflection in geomorphology, the importance of modern methods of dating rocks using cosmogenic isotopes, and low-temperature thermochronology for restoration of tectonic processes and processes shaping land surface, with particular emphasis on the evolution of orogenic areas. The areas with significant cover of young, quaternary sediments will served as an example of relation between tectonic structures in the basement and the development of glacial processes.
During the course methods for estimating the displacement along the faults based on the analysis of drainage networks and fault scarps will be presented, also methods of defining the components of displacement along faults. Students will learn theoretical basis of isotope dating of the "open" and "closed" isotopic systems and procedures of rock dating using low temperature termochronology (fission track and U/Th-He methods). Geological software for analysis of tectonic structures and modeling thermal history of rocks using thermochronological data will be used.
Type of course
Learning outcomes
After completing a series of lectures student identifies and interprets relations between tectonic structures and surface morphology. Student understands physical basics of cosmogenic isotopes dating and low temperature termochronology dating. According to principles of relief development student understands also differences between surface uplift, rock uplift and exhumation. Student is able to plan sampling campaigning, knows principles of sample preparation for mentioned above dating methods and models temperature-age relationships for simple geological settings and can draw geomorphological conclusions from such modeling.
Assessment criteria
Lectures are evaluated on the basis of the written test that cover all the issues presented in lectures (80%) also on the basis of continuous evaluation of students progress and his/her active participation in lectures (20%).
Additional information
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