The course follows on from Geosciences 1. It focuses on the structure and dynamics of the Earth’s lithosphere, introducing the observations and methods that led to our current state of knowledge.

The course starts by presenting various definitions of the lithosphere (seismic, thermal, mechanical) before investigating its Archimedean equilibrium (basic principle of isostasy, vertical movements, subsidence and exhumation). We then cover the discovery of plate tectonics, the relative and absolute motions of the lithospheric plates (spherical geometry, the NUVEL1 model, geodesic data), and the main geodynamic contexts (rifts, mid-ocean ridges, subduction, collision, hotspots).

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• Appreciate the reasons for the many definitions of the Earth’s lithosphere;
• Use the principles of isostasy to understand the basic topography of the Earth;
• Understand how plate tectonics was discovered, and how the tectonic plates interact differently depending on geodynamic context;
• Make estimates of plate velocities from geodesic data.

At the end of this course you will have enhanced the following transferable skills:

• critical thinking;
• English reading, writing and comprehension.

1. Edward J. Tarbuck & Frederick K. Lutgens (2014). Earth, An introduction to physical geology - Pearson