A Volcanic Record Through Time
Summary
This is a lecture that can be used - or adapted for use - in undergraduate geoscience classes. The goal of the lecture is to familiarize students with the concept of volcanic change through time at tectonic time scale commensurate to plate tectonic change. The lecture should follow lectures on rocks, minerals, Earth's layers and simple plate tectonics and Earth's Cenozoic evolution. A discussion can be incorporated on what information can be gained and on what Earth question can be addressed by studying long-term volcanic evolution. The lesson uses an example from Margins Subduction Factory Initiatives in order to illustrate possibilities, problems, limitations and outcome of obtaining a rock record through the life on a volcanic arc.
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Learning Goals
Concepts to be understood: (1) Earth is a dynamic planet that underwent significant plate tectonics change throughout the Cenozoic; (2) Plate tectonic change is linked to volcanism, driven by processes in the Earth interior, and that may contribute the Cenozoic evolution of outer Earth; (3) How to obtain volcanic rock records on time scale relevant to plate tectonic change; (4) possibilities, problems and limitations of obtaining a rock record through the life on a volcanic arc.
Context for Use
This lecture segment may stand alone, but may also be adapted for use in other undergraduate geoscience classes. The lecture should follow lectures on rocks, minerals, Earth's layers and simple plate tectonics and Cenozoic evolution. Segments of the lecture may also be used in lessons introducing volcanic arcs, or illustrate an example of what data/information can be obtain by scientific drilling. The lecture may also be used as review for an upper level class, or to launch a more quantitative lessons on subduction cycling and plate tectonic processes.
Description and Teaching Materials
Teaching materials are online resources that are embedded in the powerpoint file (PowerPoint 25.9MB May18 09).
Teaching Notes and Tips
The powerpoint files contains notes that guide through teaching.
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Assessment
The last part of the lecture (discussion of the time-dependent geochemical outflux of the Izu Bonin arc) can also be assigned as homework.
References and Resources
These are embedded in the powerpoint.