Copyright of UKRI-NERC-BGS (P008263)Scotland’s landscapes are the product of more than 3000 million years of evolution, and its current configuration is the result of the amalgamation of five terranes – very old fragments of lithospheric crust, each with its own individual geologic history and stratigraphic sequences – separated by faults. For most of its existence, Scotland was part of the long-lived and relatively static continent of Laurentia that comprised most of nowadays North America, Greenland and half of Ireland. Within this geographical setting, Scotland occupied a peripheral position, at the edge of the continent, but at the center of major intercontinental collisions.
This informal short course over 6 weeks provides a chronological overview of the formation and deposition of major rock groups from about 3000 million years to 50 million years ago, from Scotland’s oldest rocks to the young volcanic districts of the Hebrides. It will be presented online by Dr Alex G. Neches and guest contributors.
The first session will introduce the course and discuss some essential features of plate tectonics (introducing the supercontinent cycle, the formation of volcanic arcs, ophiolites and accretionary wedges) and structural geology (including the formation of recumbent folds and nappes, shear and brittle zones) specific of each terrane.
Each subsequent session is dedicated to one terrane, starting with the oldest, and will introduce a map made of successive layers, where each layer represents a major rock group, a suite or complex. The maps will be accompanied by images of relevant rocks, fossils and local landscapes. Guest contributors will give brief perspectives on important aspects of the geology of each terrane, and there will be opportunities for questions and discussion. Each session will be recorded and available online afterwards.
Free, booking essential: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvfu-qrj8vHdM8uj1Y0ijwFGG7pmdBz-6S
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
An event in the Scottish Geology Festival, organised by the Scottish Geology Trust.
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