Geological processes in the British Isles

The landscape of the British Isles has undergone dramatic changes during the history of the Earth, from shallow sea to desert to the familiar terrain of the 21st century. In this free course, Geological processes in the British Isles, you will explore the processes that have shaped the British landscape over time, gaining insight into the geological evolution of the entire planet.

• Introduction
• Learning outcomes
• 1 Landscape formation
• 1 Landscape formation
• 2 Geological time-scales – a brief review
• 2 Geological time-scales – a brief review
• 3 A global view of Earth history
• 3 A global view of Earth history
• 4 Plate tectonics reviewed
• 4 Plate tectonics reviewed
• 4.1 Introduction
• 4.2 Revealing past plate tectonic events
• 4.3 Continental extension
• 4.3.1 Stage 1: Continental rifting (northern Red Sea stage)
• 4.3.2 Stage 2: Embryonic ocean basin formation (southern Red Sea stage)
• 4.3.3 Stage 3: Passive continental margin formation
• 4.4 Closure of an ocean
• 4.5 How wide were the oceans?
• 4.6 Continental collision
• 5 The main lithotectonic units of the British Isles
• 5 The main lithotectonic units of the British Isles
• 5.1 Introduction
• 5.2 Precambrian and Lower Palaeozoic Basement
• 5.3 Caledonian Orogenic Belt
• 5.4 Older Cover
• 5.5 Variscan Orogenic Belt
• 5.6 Younger Cover
• 6 Conclusion
• 6 Conclusion
• 7 Course questions
• 7 Course questions
• Acknowledgements