The metamorphic and igneous rocks that underlie much of New England record a complicated history of mountain building, subduction, and failed rifting dating back to at least 1.2 Ga. This course will explore this history from the earliest orogeny to the assembly and destruction of Pangea. To guide our exploration, we’ll focus on three key questions:

1. How and why do igneous and metamorphic rocks form, and how are these processes related to plate tectonics?
2. How can we use the geochemistry and structural geology of igneous and metamorphic rocks to reconstruct past tectonic events?
3. How are stable cratons formed and why do they remain stable?

There will be one weekend day trip and one overnight weekend trip.

Units: 1.25

Max Enrollment: 12

Prerequisites: (GEOS 101 or GEOS 102) and GEOS 203.

Distribution Requirements: LAB - Natural and Physical Sciences Laboratory; NPS - Natural and Physical Sciences

Degree Requirements: DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRF); DL - Data Literacy (Formerly QRDL)

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes: