EAE5061 · Geology and tectonics of New Zealand

Overview

This is an intensive 12-day field trip to New Zealand, one of the best natural laboratories in which to learn about geology. Apart from being dramatically different to Australia in terms of modern day geological activity, it is a ribbon continent with a complex assembly of allochthonous terranes, part of which was formerly part of Australia. It has hyperactive back arc volcanism, spectacular geothermal activity, very active seismicity and is one of the few countries in the world with glaciers at sea level. Some of the main concepts to be covered will be: • Arcs and back-arc architecture, seismicity and volcanism • Transpressional fault systems • Geothermal springs and geothermal power • The relationship of these to ore deposits • Glaciers as a record of Holocene climate change • Seismic hazards and engineering responses

Areas of study: Master of Science

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Explain the relationships between the ancient geological processes preserved in Australia and the young processes occurring in New Zealand.
2. Use new skills in interpreting evidence of deformation and origin of a fault structure.
3. Understand and interpret field evidence of the different mechanisms driving different types of metamorphism.
4. Prepare a stratigraphic log.
5. Understand and interpret field characteristics of geochemical processes.
6. Present an overview of a complex geological topic to a educated geoscience audience.

Workload

• 12 days fieldwork • 56 hours of independent study

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.