Sean Willett: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2020

Name	Prof. Dr. Sean Willett
Field	Sedimentologie
Address	Geologisches Institut ETH Zürich, NO E 33 Sonneggstrasse 5 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND
Telephone	+41 44 632 69 51
E-mail	swillett@eaps.ethz.ch
Department	Earth and Planetary Sciences
Relationship	Full Professor

Number	Title	ECTS	Hours	Lecturers
402-0620-00L	Current Topics in Accelerator Mass Spectrometry and Its Applicatons	0 credits	1S	M. Christl, S. Willett
Abstract	The seminar is aimed at all students who, during their studies, are confronted with age determination methods based on long-living radionuclides found in nature. Basic methodology, the latest developments, and special examples from a wide range of applications will be discussed.
Learning objective	The seminar provides the participants an overview about newest trends and developments of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and related applications. In their talks and subsequent discussions the participants learn intensively about the newest trends in the field of AMS thus attaining a broad knowledge on both, the physical principles and the applications of AMS, which goes far beyond the horizon of their own studies.
651-3001-00L	Dynamic Earth I	6 credits	4V + 2U	O. Bachmann, A. Galli, A. Fichtner, L. Krischer, M. Lupker, M. Schönbächler, S. Willett
Abstract	Provides a basic introduction into Earth Sciences, emphasizing different rock-types and the geological rock-cycle, as well as introduction into geophysics and plate tectonic theory.
Learning objective	Understanding basic geological and geophysical processes
Content	Overview of the Earth as a system, with emphasis on plate tectonic theory and the geological rock-cycle. Provides a basic introduction to crystals and minerals and different rock-types. Lectures include processes in the Earth's interior, physics of the earth, planetology, introduction to magmatic, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Excercises are conducted in small groups to provide more in depth understanding of concepts and content of the lectures.
Lecture notes	werden abgegeben.
Literature	Grotzinger, J., Jordan, T.H., Press, F., Siever, R., 2007, Understanding Earth, W.H. Freeman & Co., New York, 5th Ed. Press, F. Siever, R., Grotzinger, J. & Jordon, T.H., 2008, Allgemeine Geologie. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg, 5.Auflage.
Prerequisites / Notice	Exercises and short excursions in small groups (10-15 students) will be lead by student assistants. Specific topics in earth sciences will be discussed using examples and case studies. Hand samples of the major rock types will be described and interpreted. Short excursions in the region of Zurich will permit direct experience with earth science processes (e.g. earth surface processes) and recognition of earth science problems and solutions relevant for modern society (e.g. building materials, water resources). Working in small groups will allow for discussion and examination of actual earth science themes.
651-3521-00L	Tectonics	3 credits	2V	W. Behr, S. Willett
Abstract	Comprehensive understanding of evolution, mechanics, and rheology of divergent, convergent and wrenching tectonic systems from the lithospheric scale to local shallow crustal and outcrop-scales. Evaluation of plate tectonic and other orogenic processes through the study of reference examples of taken in Alps-Himalaya orogenic system.
Learning objective	Comprehensive understanding of evolution, mechanics, and rheology of divergent, convergent and wrenching tectonic systems from the lithospheric scale to local shallow crustal and outcrop-scales. Assessment of mechanisms responsible for plate movements (the Earth as a heat transfer machine, dynamics of earth mantle, plate driving forces) and subsequent large-scale structures (oceanic basins and cycle of the oceanic lithosphere, convergence and mountain systems and continental growth, etc) through theoretical and experimental information. Evaluation of plate tectonic and other orogenic processes through the study of reference examples of taken in Alps-Himalaya orogenic system.
Content	Plate tectonic frame work: earth cooling and mantle-plate interaction, three kinds of plate boundaries and their roles and characteristics, cycle of oceanic lithosphere, longlifety and growth of continents, supercontinents. Rheology of layered lithosphere and upper mantle. Obduction systems Collisions systems Extensional systems Basin evolution Passive and active continental margin evolution
Literature	Condie, K. C. 1997. Plate tectonics and crustal evolution. Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford. Cox, A. & Hart, R. B. 1986. Plate tectonics. How it works. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford. Dewey, J. F. 1977. Suture zone complexities: A review. Tectonophysics 40, 53-67. Dewey, J. F., Pitman III, W. C., Ryan, W. B. F. & Bonin, J. 1973. Plate tectonics and the evolution of the Alpine system. Geological Society of America Bulletin 84, 3137-3180. Kearey, P. & Vine, F. J. 1990. Global tectonics. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford. Park, R. G. 1993. Geological structures and moving plates. Chapman & Hall, Glasgow. Turcotte, D. L. & Schubert, G. 2002. Geodynamics. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Windley, B. F. 1995. The evolving continents. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, Chichester.
651-4180-02L	Integrated Earth Systems II	5 credits	4G + 1U	H. Stoll, D. Vance, S. Willett
Abstract	The surface Earth is often thought of as a set of interacting systems, often with feedbacks between them. These interacting systems control the tectonics, geomorphology, climate, and biology of the surface Earth. To fully understand the nature of the Earth System, including the controls on its past evolution, its present state, and its future, an integrated perspective is required.
Learning objective	To introduce students to an integrated view of the surface Earth, uniting perspectives from different disciplines of the earth sciences. To encourage students in the critical analysis of data and models in Earth Science.
Content	Planet Earth has had a complex history since its formation ~4.6 billion years ago. The surface Earth is often thought of as a set of interacting systems, often with positive and negative feedbacks between them. These interacting systems control the tectonics, geomorphology, climate, and biology of the surface Earth. To fully understand the nature of the Earth System, including the controls on its past evolution, its present state, and its future, an integrated perspective is required. This is a subject that pulls in observations and models from many areas of the Earth Sciences, including geochemistry, geophysics, geology and biology. The main goal of the course is to convey this integrated view of the surface of our planet. We will achieve this integrated view through a series of lectures, exercises, and tutorials. We take as our framework some of the key events in Earth history, encouraging understanding of the controlling processes through integrated observations, ideas and models from disciplines across science.
651-4341-00L	Source to Sink Sedimentary Systems	3 credits	2G	M. Lupker, S. Willett, L. Bröder, T. I. Eglinton
Abstract	The transfer and redistribution of mass and chemical elements at the Earth’s surface is controlled by a wide range of processes that will affect the magnitude and nature of fluxes exported from continental fluvial systems. This course addresses the production, transport, and deposition of sediments from source to sink and their interaction with biogeochemical cycles.
Learning objective	This course aims at integrating different earth science disciplines (geomorphology, geochemistry, and tectonics) to gain a better understanding of the physical and biogeochemical processes at work across the sediment production, routing, and depositional systems. It will provide insight into how it is actually possible to “see a world in a grain of sand” by taking into account the cascade of physical and chemical processes that shaped and modified sediments and chemical elements from their source to their sink.
Content	Lectures will introduce the main source to sink concepts and cover physical and biogeochemical processes in upland, sediment producing areas (glacial and periglacial processes; mass movements; hillslopes and soil processes/development; critical zone biogeochemical processes). Field excursion (3 days, likely 4, 5 & 6 October, to be confirmed): will cover the upper Rhone from the Rhone glacier to the Rhone delta in Lake Geneva) as small scale source-to-sink system. Practicals comprise two problem sets as well as a small autonomous project on the Rhone catchment based on samples collected during the field trip.
Lecture notes	Lecture notes are provided online during the course. They summarize the current subjects week by week and provide the essential theoretical background.
Literature	Suggested references : - Sediment routing systems: the fate of sediments from Source to Sink by Philip A. Allen (Cambridge University Press) - Principles of soilscape and landscape evolution by Garry Willgoose (Cambridge University Press) - Geomorphology, the mechanics and chemistry of landscapes by Robert S. Anderson & Suzanne P. Anderson (Cambridge University Press)