Why study tectonics

These include faults and earthquakes, volcanoes and volcanism, mountains and mountain building, and even the origin of the continents and ocean basins. Hancock, P. Skinner, eds. The Oxford Companion to the Earth. New York: Oxford University Press, Tarbuck, Edward. Lutgens, and Tasa Dennis. Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology. Winchester, Simon. New York: Harper Collins, Buffett, Bruce A. Hellfrich, George, and Bernard Wood. United States Department of the Interior, U.

Geological Survey. Research 09 November Open Access. The role of Southern Ocean gateways contributing to the Eocene-Oligocene climate transition is still debated. Here, the authors present high-resolution ocean simulations to show that gateways opening led to a reorganization of ocean circulation, heat transport and Antarctic surface water cooling. Research 08 November Open Access. Research 04 November Open Access. Research 02 November Open Access. Research Highlights 20 September An article in JGR Solid Earth identified that basalt-hosted megathrusts are not necessarily the nucleation source of large megathrust earthquakes.

Research Highlights 16 July Research Highlights 08 July Editorial 07 May Plate boundary faults in subduction zones can generate large earthquakes and tsunamis. Recent studies have revealed that these faults slip in various ways and may be influenced by many factors.

If you are new to University-level study, we offer two introductory routes to our qualifications. You could either choose to start with an Access module , or a module which allows you to count your previous learning towards an Open University qualification. Read our guide on Where to take your learning next for more information.

Not ready for formal University study? Then browse over free courses on OpenLearn and sign up to our newsletter to hear about new free courses as they are released. Every year, thousands of students decide to study with The Open University. Request an Open University prospectus OpenLearn works with other organisations by providing free courses and resources that support our mission of opening up educational opportunities to more people in more places.

All rights reserved. The Open University is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to its secondary activity of credit broking. Skip to main content. Search for free courses, interactives, videos and more! Free learning from The Open University. Featured content.