Topic 2: Plate Tectonics

Week 2 Cover image

In this topic, we will build on our look at the formation of the Earth by considering the fundamental process of plate tectonics, the primary driver shaping our planet.

Lecture

Lecture slides: L2 Plate Tectonics

Reading

I suggest reading Chapters 2-3 of Lutgens and Tarbuck 2015 Essentials of Geology. Chapter 2 is the chapter on Plate Tectonics, which will help you understand this week’s lecture; Chapter 3 is the chapter on Matter and Minerals, which explains what rocks are made of.

An alternative is Chapter Two and Chapter Three of Johnson, C., Affolter, M.D., Inkenbrandt, P., and Mosher, C. (2017) An Introduction to Geology. USA: Salt Lake Community College. Chapter 2 is the chapter on Plate Tectonics, and Chapter 3 is the chapter on Minerals.