Tectonic Evolution of Orogenic Belts

Great earthquakes along megathrust faults: Implications for subduction zone tectonics

Winter Quarter 2008

Discussions: Wednesday at 6pm; Lind 108
Instructors: Charlie Rubin (1st half) & Jeff Lee (2nd half)
Office: Lind 218A (Jeff) and Hebeler 109 (Charlie)
email: jeff@geology.cwu.edu; charlier@geology.cwu.edu
Telephone: 963-2801 (Jeff); 963-2827 (Charlie)
Office hours: By appointment

General Goals

Read, discuss, and evaluate science papers that focus on two topics: subduction zone earthquakes and mid-crustal deformation in Tibet.

Reading List

Subduction zone reading list

Course Objectives

Students learn about active deforming areas that are relevant to ongoing research within the department.
Students can critically read research articles on topics in geology, both within and outside of their area of specialization.
Students can give a clear and organized scientific presentation.
Students develop intellectual independence.

Student Responsibilities

 Each week, students will read 1 paper related to the general theme.
 One student will be responsible for summarizing the main points of each paper including (a) main hypotheses/research goals, (b) primary dataset, and (c) most important interpretations, implications, and conclusions.
 Your partner will be responsible for leading the group discussion
 All students will be prepared to discuss the paper and have a list of questions about the science of the paper they did not understand. For examples, ask questions about the hypothesis, data (graphs, maps, cross-sections, etc.), interpretations, regional implications, etc.

Course Evaluation

1. Quality of presentations, including use of figures (maps, graphs, charts, etc.).
2. Interest/participation in presentations and discussions.
3. Responsibility for assignments.