??Geol 244 Physical Earth Sciences and Structural Geology
Course Synopsis
This course is composed of two components
13375 244 - Physical Earth Science and Mapping (second semester, first term)
'There
is no substitute for the geological map and section - absolutely
none. There never was and there never will be. The basic geology
still must come first - and if it is wrong, everything that
follows will probably be wrong." (Wallace, 1975, Mining
Engineering, vol. 27, 34-36) The 7-week
course 'Physical Earth Science and mapping' (Geol. 244) is an
introduction to the techniques of geological field mapping,
map analysis and structural geology. Students will be introduced
to the use of the geological compass, map symbols, the construction
of topo- and structure contours, simple cross-sections and cross-section
techniques, stereographic projection, interpretation of maps
and aerial photographs. The emphasis of this course is on the
practical aspects of geological mapping - although the module
consists formally of 3 lectures and 1 practical per week, most
lectures will involve practical work. The aim of the course
is to enable the student to produce a geological map from the
initial steps of data gathering in the field to the final product
of a map, a section or a block diagram, that involves geological
interpretation of the data.
13374
244 - Introduction to Structural Geology (second semester, second
term)
Structural geology is concerned with the deformation of rocks. A geological structure is a geometric feature in a rock whose shape, orientation and distribution can be described – this applies to almost any rock of whatever origin and illustrates the significance of structural geology in the Earth Sciences.
With this course, we attempt to integrate all scales of deformation and deformation processes. From atomic- and crystal-scale deformation mechanisms to deformation features in hand-specimen and outcrop which ultimately leads to an understanding of continental-scale deformation, or tectonic processes.
The basic principles of stress and strain are discussed, rheological models and factors that determine the rheological behaviour of rocks. Brittle deformation mechanisms and structures, ductile deformation mechanisms. Folds and fold-related structures, mechanics and kinematics of folds and boudinage. Types and styles of faulting, crustal deformation and faults, mechanics of faulting. Origin and significance of tectonic fabrics, planar and linear fabrics, their interpretation.
The aim
of this course is to convey the common techniques, fundamental
terminology and concepts of structural geology that allow the
student to map, describe and interpret geological structures.
Practicals are intended to apply the theoretical knowledge to
geological problems and to develop a solid perspective on structural
geology and deformation of rocks. Special field schools and
excursions will be used to apply the structural knowledge to
real rocks.
