Module manager: Dr Andrew McCaig
Email: a.m.mccaig@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Successful completion of level 2 BSc. Geology or equivalent
This module is not approved as a discovery module
On completion of this module, students should:
- have a general overview of current ideas and models relating to Plate Tectonics/Kinematics and Mantle Dynamics;
- be capable of critical appraisal and discussion of these ideas and models. They should develop their skills of objectivity - to learn to weigh the evidence for a particular model and to distinguish between hard facts and inference or supposition;
- develop a more independent style of learning. This will involve active participation in lectures and practicals, making their own lecture notes rather than relying on structured handouts, and undertaking 3-4 hours of directed reading each week;
- improve their ability to work in a small group on a focused task to strict deadlines;
- gain experience of presenting their work at a Poster session.
Provisional syllabus - see module handout for detailed syllabus
(A) Plate Kinematics :
- Relative plate motions; rotation vectors; relationship between rotation vector and relative motion at a point, velocity diagrams
- Rotation vectors, working out relative plate motions (magnetic anomalies, GPS, laser interferometry), plate motion circuits, finite rotations, apparent polar wander paths
- Absolute plate motions, reference frames, fault plane solutions
(B) Geodynamics:
- Mantle structure and dynamics; 410 km, 660 km and D" discontinuities; compositional versus thermal convection, and the existence of mantle plumes. Geophysical and geochemical constraints on the nature of mantle convection
- Heat flow and heat generation in the Earth. How hot is the mantle? The adiabat and the geotherm; thermal subsidence and mid ocean ridges
- Subduction zone processes: stresses and earthquakes in subducting slabs; olivine phase changes; earth quake mechanisms; types of melt (Island arc tholeites, andesites, boninites, adakites); thermal modelling, dehydration and slab melting
- Construction of oceanic crust; slow vs fast spreading
- Comparative subductology; back-arc basins, plate coupling; slab roll-back; absolute plate motions; comparison of IBM and Andean subduction systems
- Plate driving forces
(C) Poster presentation:
- Combination of private study and group work, plus 1x 2 hour Poster Session. This will develop the ideas and understanding of Part A of the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poster session | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Practical | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Private study hours | 79 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 21 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Directed reading and revision: 32 hours;
Completion of practical work: 20 hours;
Group work (including poster preparation): 20 hours.
2 hour scheduled practical sessions where formative feedback is given. An opportunity to submit a formative exam essay is given in week 7. Further formative feedback is given in the group poster session, and a revision session.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Poster Presentation | Group poster presentation | 30 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30 | |
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) | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70 | |
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: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team