Earth Dynamics, Spring 2007
SYLLABUS for GLY 490
Course Description: This is a 3-credit course for Seniors. We will address basic planetary
changes through geological time, including plate tectonics, formation and breakup of
supercontinents, paleoclimate, and the formation of the earth's crust, mantle and core as well as
the origin of the atmosphere and oceans. We will also study Phanerozoic orogenic belts (e.g.
Himalayas, Alps, Appalachians) and earlier orogenic belts of the Proterozoic/Archean eons (i.e.
greenstone belts). The first part of the course is largely review of fundamental concepts in
historical geology, review of igneous petrology, and use of trace element and isotopes in
understanding Earth evolution. The second part of the course focuses on plate tectonics, tectonic
settings and modern and ancient orogenic belts. The third part focuses on crustal and mantle
composition and evolution, and origin of the Earth’s atmosphere and oceans (see attached
schedule). Time permitting, we will take a look at living systems and some of the other planets.
Course Objectives: The main objectives of the course are to give the student as broad an
overview of the Geological Sciences as possible within the plate tectonic paradigm, and also to
encourage the student to read widely (several secondary texts are on reserve in the Geology
library) and learn to communicate and present ideas effectively, both written and orally.
Prereq: Senior standing with at least 30 credits in a Geological Sciences curriculum.
Time/place: MWF, 11-11:50, Slone 205
Lecturer: Dr. Kieran O’Hara, Office: 111 Slone; Tel: 257-6931
Email: geokoh@uky.edu
Office Hrs: MW 10-11 AM or by email.
Texts: The main text, which is required, is Earth as an Evolving Planetary System, Elsevier
by Kent Condie. The secondary text (Windley, The Evolving Continents (3rd ed.) is on reserve
in the Geology library and is particularly good for the study of different mountain belts. Other
texts on reserve that may be useful for reference are: Principles of isotope Geology (2nd ed.) by
Faure, Using Geochemical data by Rollinson, and Igneous and metamorphic petrology, by
Winter.
Grading: Grading will be based on a midterm exam (take home, open book; 30%), a final exam
(take home, open book; 40%), a term paper and oral presentation (20%), class attendance, in class
participation (i.e. questions) and homework (10%). The final grade will be averaged and curved,
the curve for the course being possibly different for the midterm and final curves.
Student papers/presentations: A paper (approx. 10 pages, double spacing) on a topic of the
students’ choosing, in conjunction with myself, should be handed in by the last day of classes.
The topic should be directly related to the course and not a paper used in a previous course. The
format of the paper should be that of an article in the magazine Geology (Geological Society of
America). A 15 minute (Powerpoint) presentation by each student on the paper will be made
orally to the class during the last week of classes. If you are taking GLY 420G (Structural
geology) concurrently, only one talk for both classes is required (your choice).
Tentative lecture schedule
Month Week Date
Topic
Jan
Feb.
Mar.
Text*
1
10, 12
Introduction/Pangaea C1, W 10
2
17,19
Granite/Basalt
Win
3
22, 24, 26
Trace elements
R4
4
29, 31
Isotope geology
F8
5
5, 7, 9
Earth’s crust
C2
6
12, 14, 16
Earth’s crust
C2
7
19, 21, 23
Tectonic settings
C3
8
26, 28,30
Plate Tectonics
C3/4
9
5, 7, 9
Appalachians/Andes W12, 8
Mid-term exam: 7th (10am take home) due 10 am 9th (hardcopy only)
Apr
10
12-17
SPRING BREAK
11
19, 21, 23
Alps/Himalayas
(W8, 9)
12
26, 28, 30
The Mantle
C4
13
2, 4, 6
The Core
C5
14
9, 11, 13
Crustal/mantle evolution C8,9
15
16, 18
Atmosphere/Oceans C6
16
20,23, 25,27
Student oral presentations
Final exam: take home, May 2, 10 AM. Due 10 am May 4. Hardcopy only.
*Texts: C = Condie ; F – Faure; W =Windley; Win - Winter
R – Rollinson (all on reserve);