Kinematic Modeling
In this course, students utilize state-of-the-art software programs and real datasets to develop structural and kinematic models from which dynamic interpretations can be made.
Students read papers, view lectures, and perform exercises that all together teach the best practices for developing kinematic models at various scales.
Please click here for an example syllabus
All images below are examples of exceptional student work
GPlates
is taught to give students a broad spatiotemporal sense for plate tectonics.
Students recreate the classic reconstruction of Atlantic sea-floor isochrons using Euler Pole Rotations in the fully-integrated GPlates platform.
Pangaea is reconstructed.
Step-wise reconstructions allow analysis of plate kinematics, which students use to assess the drivers of plate motions.
Move Structural and Kinematic Modeling Suite
software from Petroleum Experts ltd. is used by students to develop cross-sectional structural and kinematic models of deformation
Balanced 2D W-E cross-section through the southern rift including the Organ Mountains. The section is about 15 km vertically.
DEM draped geologic map of the southern Rio Grande Rift
3D view of cross-sections and draped geology
Kinematic models of shortening
Antiformal stack
formed from three thrusts
Initial section
prior to thrusting