The first portion of this course emphasizes the new synthesis of observations from marine geology and geophysics, paleontology, seismology, paleomagnetism, petrology, and structural geology that led to the development of plate tectonic theory. The second portion will focus on the theory's application to fundamental problems of continental and marine geology. The prerequisites for the class are G323 (Structural Geology) and G334 (Stratigraphy) and graduate standing. No previous geophysics coursework is required.

The readings for the class are from two main sources. Both are considered required texts, and should be available at the local bookstores. They are both on reserve in the Geology library.

The first is a new textbook that is an excellent review of geological and geophysical observations associated with global tectonic processes:

Kearey, Philip, Keith A. Klepeis, and Frederick J. Vine
Global Tectonics, 3rd ed.
Hoboken, Wiley-Blackwell, 2009

The second is a useful "how to" manual for solving plate tectonics problems:

Cox, Allan, and Hart, Robert B.
Plate Tectonics: How it Works
Palo Alto, Blackwell Scientific, 1986

The course grade will be based on written exercises (30%), a mid-term exam (30%), a final paper (30%). and a class presentation (l0%). The final grade will be based on a curve of the numerical sum.

In lieu of a final examination, each student will prepare a paper on some aspect or application of plate tectonic theory. The paper should be a well written, thoroughly researched summary of a current problem in plate tectonics, using primary scientific papers (not textbooks) as sources. The paper should incorporate materials from a variety of disciplines. Topics must be approved by the instructor on or before 29 October (11th week). A one-two paragraph "Statement of the Problem," an outline of the paper, and a list of key references are due on 18 November (13th week). The completed, typed report is due on 13 December (first day of exams). Credit will be deducted for late submission of papers.

The final paper will be accompanied by a brief (15-20 minute) presentation of your work. The presentation should be a clear, concise, and well presented summary of your findings, using overhead transparencies and blackboard where necessary. The form should be that of a review paper given at a scientific meeting.

An extensive bibliography of papers related to each study topic and a set of key figures used in the lectures will be provided. You may want to include these in a loose-leaf notebook with your lecture notes.