The goal of this course in to introduce the students to the basics of experimental modelling of tectonic processes. Experimental modelling is based on the use on analogue materials which can respect similarity principles in reproducing natural processes at smaller/faster spatial/temporal scales. The Laboratory of Experimental Tectonics was the first one developed in Italy, inspired by the long-term international tradition of analogue modelling. In this class, we will use continuum mechanics, which describes the response of a material to an imposed force, to study and understand cause-effect relationships between geometry, kinematics and dynamics of the solid earth. Introductory lectures provide the theoretical background on physical and rheology properties of analogue materials, scaling and quantification of natural results. The second phase of the course proposes hands on exercises during which the students will learn how to address scientific questions through building experimental models. Each argument will be presented offering an initial basic theoretical background which will be subsequently implemented by the widest range of updated interpretations and natural examples. Students will be expected to actively participate to the class activities (e.g. reading scientific papers, homework assignments, set-up of analogue models, in-class presentations).
teacher profile teaching materials
All the realized models will be analyzed and modeling results interpreted. Moreover, it will be highlighted potential applications to natural examples.
- Mantle Dynamics: Mantle Convection in the Earth and Planets, Schubert, G., Turcotte, D. L. and P. Olson, Cambridge University Press, 2001
- Dynamic Earth, Plates, Plumes and Mantle Convection, Davies, G.F., Cambridge University Press, 1999.
- Treatise on Geophysics, volumi 1, 3, 6, 7, 9 Ed. Schubert G., Elsevier 2007
- Bibliography given by the instructors during the classes.
All the reference sources are available at library BAST of Roma Tre University.
Programme
The following topics will be addressed: a) Experimental modelling: introduction; history of experimental modeling; overview on the activity realized in national and international laboratories of Experimental Tectonics. b) Analogue materials and material properties (this session includes the measurements of material properties); c) Scaling; d) Quantifying experimental results; e) Overview on image analysis techniques; f) Exercise with PIVLAB (and intro to MATLAB); g) Building crustal-scale brittle models for the study of convergent, extensional and strike-slip systems. h) Building mantle-scale viscous models for the study of the subduction process; i) Visco-elastic models for the study of subduction earthquakes.All the realized models will be analyzed and modeling results interpreted. Moreover, it will be highlighted potential applications to natural examples.
Core Documentation
- Geodynamics: Second Edition, Turcotte, D. L. and Schubert, G., John Wiley & Sons, New York, 2002.- Mantle Dynamics: Mantle Convection in the Earth and Planets, Schubert, G., Turcotte, D. L. and P. Olson, Cambridge University Press, 2001
- Dynamic Earth, Plates, Plumes and Mantle Convection, Davies, G.F., Cambridge University Press, 1999.
- Treatise on Geophysics, volumi 1, 3, 6, 7, 9 Ed. Schubert G., Elsevier 2007
- Bibliography given by the instructors during the classes.
All the reference sources are available at library BAST of Roma Tre University.
Type of delivery of the course
The course can be provided in English, if requested. Part of the course is in the Laboratory of Experimental Tectonics. Frontal teaching, experimental activity, practicals both in class and at home, reading of scientific papers, seminars In case of COVID-19 emergency, it will be followed all the rules for safe teaching and evaluation. In particular, this course will be provided in a virtual mode.Type of evaluation
Grades will be computed based on this relative weighting scheme: - Presentation and discussion of experiments 60%. - Oral exam on the base of the program presented during the course 30%. - Class partecipation 10%. In case of COVID-19 emergency, it will be followed all the rules for safe teaching and evaluation. In particular, the exams related to course will be provided in a virtual mode.