Overview: The Subduction Factory Mini-lessons

Subduction zone metamorphism
This module introduces students to subduction zone metamorphism through the examination of rock samples, calculating P-T-t paths, and comparing them to thermal model predictions of P-T paths.

Accretionary vs. erosive subduction margins
This module examines the nature and variability of subduction margins through examination of data sets that document subduction zone inputs, deformation, and resulting morphology in different settings.

Slab temperatures control melting in subduction zones, what controls slab temperature?
Hands-on demonstrations of advection and diffusion of heat in subduction zones, and their controls on slab thermal evolution and relationships to melting, using analog models.

Overview: Rupturing Continental Lithosphere Mini-Lesson Sequence
An examination of two contrasting rifted margins: the Red Sea and Gulf of California, leading to identification of similarities and differences associated with rifting and lithospheric rupture in each setting.

Role of Sedimentation in Rifting
A module in which students use field and geophysical measurements and observations of Gulf of California basins to calculate isostasy and its controls.

Bathymetry of Rifted Margins
This is one component of the Rupturing Continental Lithosphere suite of mini-lessons. Students investigate the morphology of rifted margins by creating topographic/bathymetric maps and profiles across the Red Sea ...

Contemporary Climate Oscillations: ENSO and a case study of the Huanghe River
This module uses data of monthly mean sea level pressure from Tahiti and Darwin, Australia to calculate the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) for comparison with the Huanghe River (China) discharge and correlated anthropogenic effects.

Central American Arc Volcanoes, Petrology, and Geochemistry
This module teaches basic concepts in igneous petrology through relating hand specimen identification of lavas to major element geochemistry, using the Central American volcanic arc as an example.

From Source to Sink: How Sediment Reflects the Journey from the Mountains to the Sea
This is one component of the Source to Sink Mini Lesson Set Continental margins are phenomenal places to study the modern sedimentary cycle because sediment in margin regions has been routed from mountains ...