GEOSC 301Plate Tectonics

3 credits · Geosciences · Penn State

Plate Tectonics plays a primary role in virtually all geologic/tectonic processes, and is the foundation for most disciplines within geosciences. This course will cover plate tectonic topics in depth and will explore the processes that link plate tectonics to the geologic record. The course has two overarching goals: (1) Develop an improved understanding of the Plate Tectonic framework for use in their other geosciences studies, and (2) exploit its broad application across the geosciences to further develop student skills in scientific reasoning, data analysis, science communication, and integrating knowledge across earth science sub-disciplines. Since the development and acceptance of plate tectonic theory in the earth sciences is relatively recent (since - 1970's), students will also be exposed to how science thinking evolves with the addition of new data and new hypotheses. It will combine lectures, labs, case studies, and discussions to address fundamental questions in plate tectonics.