Module manager: Tim Craig
Email: t.j.craig@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Basic knowledge of Python programming (e.g., SOEE1720 or equivalent).
SOEE2212 Tectonophysics
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module covers the structure and dynamics of the Earth’s lithosphere – the outermost section of the earth, comprising its crust and upper mantle. The module is split into six subsections: (1) the Structure and Thermal Regime of Plates – in which you will learn about the temperature structure of tectonic plates, how this evolves through time, how this changes in different environments, and the role this plays in governing how they deform. (2) Stress and the Lithosphere – in which you will learn about how stress is supported with the lithosphere, differences between the geophysical and geological understandings of deformation in tectonic plates, and how stress is reflected in other phenomena (e.g., earthquakes). (3) Plate Kinematics and Dynamics – in which you will learn about how the forces that drive the motion of tectonic plates, how those plates move, and how we can map the motion of tectonic plates using geophysical observations. (4) The Earthquake Cycle – in which you will learn about the three phases of the earthquake cycle, how we can observe and monitor these, and how they relate to geological and geophysical structure. (5) Tectonic Environments – in which we will look at a range of geological settings, in each case considering their kinematics and dynamics, thermal structure and evolution, distribution of faulting and earthquakes. (6) Tectonic Hazard – in which you will learn about the major hazards associated with plate tectonics and lithosphere deformation, and how these related to the various environments previous discussed.
This module aims to teach you how the outermost layer of the Earth (its lithosphere) deforms, how we observe these processes, and the dynamic controls on them. You will study how plates move and deform in response to their evolving structure and to stresses applied to them. You will study the earthquake cycle – how we can observe this, the controls on it, and how it informs our understanding of seismic hazard. You will cover a range of different tectonic environments, from mid-ocean ridges to subduction zones to mountain ranges, covering the geophysical perspective on their structure and evolution, including what observations we can draw on to better understand this.
This module includes both lectures, covering concept topics, and example environments, as well as practical computing lab classes, where you will work with real geophysical data, alongside simple numerical models, to understand the dynamics of the Earth’s lithosphere.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes:
SSLO1: describe the distribution and movement of heat in the Earth’s lithosphere, the controls on the movement of heat, the timescales over which it takes place, and the role this plays in controlling deformation of the lithosphere.
SSLO2: discuss the distribution of stress in the lithosphere, where these stresses come from, how they are supported, and how these stresses are reflected in tectonic deformation.
SSLO3: understand the full earthquake cycle, how we can observe the different phases on this, the timescales on which the earthquake cycle operates, and how these feeds into our knowledge of seismic hazard.
SSLO4: discuss a range of tectonic environments, including the structure, geometry, kinematics and dynamics of these, and how they are reflected in seismicity and seismic hazard.
SSLO5: outline a range of case studies they have looked at for different tectonic environments.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SKLO1: use simple numerical models, and apply these to real-world observational data, showing an understanding of the uncertainties in and problems with real-world datasets (LSM Work Ready; Technical).
SKLO2: apply simple, quick calculations to calculate, or estimate key parameters (LSM Technical; Academic).
SKLO3: use their improved programming skills to handle and display data (LSM Digital).
SKLO4: write coherently about complex geophysical systems, illustrating these as appropriate (LSM Academic).
SKLO5: see the different perspectives different disciplines can bring to the same problem – in this case, the differing information offered by geology and geophysics (LSM Academic, Work Ready).
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 18 | 1 | 18 |
| Practicals | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 72 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 28 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Students will be able to write a formative lab report on their first practical session and receive feedback on this prior to the summative lab on which they write their formative report.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Coursework | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S1) | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 01/05/2026
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