Module GL2204: Structural Geology and mapwork

Contact hours & timing:

Description:

The structural geology part of the course examines the geometries, kinematics, mechanics and formation mechanisms of deformed rocks. The principles of rock deformation are covered including the classification of structures and the concepts of stress and strain. The lectures provide a global overview of active plate tectonic processes, including continental margin evolution, rifting, collisional processes from subduction zones to mountain building, and transform settings. The practicals aim to develop an understanding of map interpretation and the visualization of structures in three dimensions. Topics covered will include folds, faults, unconformities and three point problems, along with interpretation of published geological maps. The aim of the part of this course called Kitchen Physics is to hone quantitative skills by applying basic physics to solving geological problems relating to volume, density, gravity, pressure, seismic waves, heat and radioactivity.

Learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
•           Discuss rock rheology, the concepts of stress and strain, and brittle and ductile deformation processes.
•           Classify and summarise processes forming rock fabrics, faults, fractures and fault zone rocks and describe and classify folds.
•           State the basic tectonic principles and structural features of rifted continental margin formation, from continental rifts through to passive margins
•           Outline the basic geodynamic principles of plate tectonics.
•           Read, interpret and create simple geologic maps.
•           Create a crude structural cross section from a geologic map showing interpreted subsurface rocks and structures.
•           Manipulate simple mathematical formulae to assist solution of geological problems.

(PO1,2,3,4)

Top of Page