Program Overview

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Course Overview

The course TGB4266, Tectonics, is offered at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). It provides a comprehensive overview of the Earth's geological evolution in the context of plate tectonics.

Course Content

The course covers the following topics:

• The Earth's geological evolution in the context of plate tectonics
• The Wilson Cycle and its application to understanding geological processes
• The Earth's interior, including seismology, gravity, and isostasy
• The mechanisms of plate tectonics, including mantle convection and its interaction with tectonic plates
• Tectonic regimes, including divergence (rifts, rifted margins), convergence (subduction, mountain belts), and accretion (oceanic ridges, oceanic crust, ophiolite, transform faults, fracture zones)

Learning Outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide fundamental knowledge about various tectonic environments and the related physical processes. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain the main tectonic regimes on Earth and the geological processes that operate in these regimes
• Identify and describe the tectonic regimes responsible for a set of geological or geophysical observations and place them into a regional framework
• Interpret large-scale seismic reflection profiles imaging rift and rifted margin settings
• Use the GPlates software to investigate tectonic plate reconstructions back in time

Learning Methods and Activities

The course includes:

• Lectures
• Compulsory exercises, including:
  • Seismic interpretation of archetype examples of rifts and rifted margins
  • Tectonic plate reconstructions with an introduction to the GPlates software
  • Reading of dedicated scientific literature
  • Oral presentation and scientific communication of acquired knowledge
• Group work and presentation

Evaluation

The course evaluation consists of:

• Oral presentation and participation in group discussion (30%)
• Exercises (10%)
• School exam (60%)

Required Previous Knowledge

Students are required to have completed the following courses:

• TGB4100 Geology, Introduction
• TGB4150 Structural Geology, Basic Course

Course Materials

The course materials include selected scientific papers, lectures, and exercises.

Subject Areas

The course covers the following subject areas:

• Structural Geology/Tectonics
• Geophysical Interpretation
• Petroleum Geosciences

Course Details

• Credits: 7.5
• Level: Second degree level
• Course start: Autumn 2025
• Duration: 1 semester
• Language of instruction: English
• Location: Trondheim
• Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
• Grade: Letter grades