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