Earth Dynamics

This lecture series provides an overview of how the Earth system works and how deep-seated processes interact with surface and climatic processes. As components of the Earth system, recording its processes, the formation of different rock types are described and discussed. This links the lecture series with the associated practical exercise "Identification of rocks". The main topics of the individual lectures are listed below.

After completing the course, the students should understand the most important processes that shape the Earth in space and time. They should be able to read and recognize these processes by studying rock specimen.

oral exam

oral exam

Supportive digital teaching material available

1st SWS: The dynamic interior of the Earth - Introduction of how planet Earth is build from core to crust, and how the different layers interact with each other
2nd SWS: Plate tectonics - life and death of continental and oceanic crust
3rd SWS: Formation of magmatic rocks - what happens in a magma chamber and what does the composition of a rock tell about its plate tectonic history?
4th SWS: Volcanism and its impact on ancient and modern societies
5th SWS: Getting in touch with the atmosphere - weathering and erosion
6th SWS: Turning sediment into stone - deposition and diagenesis
7th SWS: The geological record of life
8th SWS: Stinky and salty - hydrocarbon formation and chemical sediments
9th SWS: Water - groundwater, streams, ocean currents and ice
10th SWS: Metamorphosis - closing the rock cycle
11th SWS: Mountain building and structures
12th SWS: Earthquakes and Geohazard
13th SWS: Q & A
14th SWS: Exam