Paleomagnetism / plate tectonics and paleogeography

FaculteitFaculty of Geosciences

NiveauBachelor

Studiejaar2026-2027

Beschrijving

Course goals

Please note: the information in the course manual is binding.

At the end of this course, the student:

is familiar with the properties of the Earth’s magnetic field at different temporal scales, and with the possibilities and limitations of information derived from magnetizations of rocks
is able to interpret paleomagnetic data and translate these interpretations into plate tectonic movements
knows how plate tectonic reconstructions are made, is familiar with the mathematical description of plate movements (Euler poles), and is able to create and modify tectonic reconstructions in GPlates software
understands the difference between relative and absolute plate motions, and knows which absolute plate motion reference frame to use for different scientific questions (geodynamic, climatological/biological, tectonic).
is familiar with the properties of continental crust and lithosphere, and how continents were built throughout geological time
understands how different types of mountains and basins are formed
understands the different processes affecting sea level, at different timescales.

Content

To understand why there are fossils of Palm trees on Antarctica, desert sandstones in Oslo, or why Australia’s biodiversity is so unique, it is crucial to know what the Earth looked like in the geological past, and how the surface of the Earth changed throughout time.
Paleography is the field of study concerned with reconstructing the past distribution of continents, oceans, coastlines, mountain ranges and basins. Paleogeographic changes are the result of vertical motions; the uplift of mountain ranges or the subsidence of basins, as well as horizontal motions: plate tectonics. To reconstruct these motions, paleomagnetic data is key, and often the only quantitative source of data. Paleomagnetic data, through reversals of the magnetic field and magnetic directions, provides quantitative estimates on continental drift on either sides of an oceanic basin and paleolatitudinal motions and rotations of plates of plate fragments.
In this course, divided in three parts, you will first learn about the properties of the Earth’s magnetic field, and how to interpret and use paleomagnetic data to make plate reconstructions. In part two, we will dive deep into plate tectonic theory and how plate tectonic reconstructions are made. You will also learn the differences between absolute and relative plate motions, the different ways to determine absolute plate motions, when to use which absolute plate motion reference frame. And lastly, in part 3, you will learn what continents are made of, how they evolve through time, how and why sea level fluctuates, and how basins and mountains ranges form. Each part will be concluded with a presentation, and the course ends with a final exam.

Topics per week:
Paleomagnetism
1.   Earth’s magnetic field, geodynamo, reversals, magnetic anomalies
2.   Magnetic recorders, magnetic directions, paleosecular variation
3.   Paleomagnetic analyses and apparent polar wander paths
Presentation: apparent polar wander path

Plate tectonics
4.   Plate boundaries, triple junctions, Euler poles, plate circuits
5.   Paleomagnetic data for plate reconstruction, paleomagnetic reference frame, True Polar Wander, plumes and hotspots
6.   Seismic tomography and slabs
Presentation: subduction zone + slab

Paleogeography
7.   What is a continent?, sea level change
8.   Uplift and mountain building, subsidence and basin formation
9.   Presentation: continent

Reviews0 reviews

Nog geen reviews voor dit vak. Wees de eerste!

Heb jij dit vak gevolgd?

Deel je ervaring met toekomstige studenten. Inloggen met je Universiteit Utrecht mailadres duurt één minuut.

Schrijf een review