EPS 268r, Topics in Seismology: Earthquakes
Spring 2006 Focus: Global Seismicity and Tectonics
In 2006, EPS 268r will focus on the diversity of seismicity
patterns observed in different tectonic settings. We will survey
the settings and particular geographic regions where most
earthquakes occur: oceanic ridges and transforms, subduction zones,
slabs and deforming continents. The goal is to review and
formulate the general rules that characterize the seismic
activity in these settings.
Class Format and Meeting Times:
The course meeting time will be divided between informal lecture presentation
of core material and presentation of related research papers
by class participants.
Participants taking the class for credit are expected to write a term paper.
Tuesdays 1-4, Birch Seminar Room (Hoffman 129).
First meeting: February 14, 2006.
Weekly Topics:
Global seismicity and plate tectonics -- general patterns and observations.
Seismicity of Ridges and Transforms. Focus on ridges and plate cooling.
Seismicity of Ridges and Transforms. Focus on transforms.
Subduction zones with an emphasis the interplate contact.
Subduction zones with an emphasis on the outer rise.
Subduction zones. Upper plate seismicity and back-arc
extension.
Subduction zones. Deep earthquakes.
Continental deformation. The tectonics of microplates.
Continental deformation. Diffuse and plastic deformation.
Intraplate cratonic seismicity. Stresses in the interior of plates.
Göran Ekström,
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University