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12.113

Structural Geology

3-3-6 units · Undergraduate

Introduces mechanics of rock deformation. Discusses recognition, interpretation, and mechanics of faults, folds, structural features of igneous and metamorphic rocks, and superposed deformations. Introduces regional structural geology and tectonics. Laboratory includes techniques of structural analysis, recognition and interpretation of structures on geologic maps, and construction of interpretive cross sections.

Fall 2005

Topics

  • Continuum Mechanics: Stress and Strain
  • Material Behaviours
  • Plutons, Salt Tectonics
  • Regional Tectonics
  • Stress
  • Strain
  • Techniques of Structural Geology I: 3D Geometries
  • Techniques of Structural Geology II: Cross-sections
  • Faults
  • Folds
  • Fabrics: Lineations and Foliations
  • Classic Structural Environments I: Fold and Thrust Belts
  • Classic Structural environments II: High Grade Gneiss Terranes
  • Classic Structural environments III: Extensional Environments

Readings

  • Most of the citations are from the required text book: Twiss, Robert J., and Eldridge M. Moores. Structural Geology . New York, NY: W.H. Freeman, 1992. ISBN: 9780716722526.
    Listed reading
  • Twiss and Moores. Structural Geology . Chapters 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, and 18, section 15.5, pp. 308ff, 292-303, 304-310, and 352-357.
    Listed reading
  • Means, W. Stress and Strain: Basic Concepts of Continuum Mechanics for Geologists . New York, NY: Springer-Verlag, 1976. ISBN: 9780387075563.
    Listed reading
  • J., Ramsay, and M. Huber. The Techniques of Modern Structural Geology. Vol. 1: Strain Analysis. London UK: Academic Press: 1984. ISBN: 9780125769211.
    Listed reading
  • Passchier, Cees W., and Rudolph A. J. Trouw. Microtectonics . Berlin, Germany: Springer, 1996. ISBN: 9783540587132.
    Listed reading
  • Twiss and Moores. Structural Geology . Chapters 9, 18, pp. 165-190, 361-385.
    Listed reading
  • Ranalli, G. Rheology of the Earth . Berlin, Germany: Springer, 1995, chapter 5. ISBN: 9780412546709.
    Listed reading
  • Nicholas, A., and J. P. Oirier. Crystalline Plasticity and Solid State Flow in Metamorphic Rocks . New York, NY: Wiley, 1976. ISBN: 9780471637912.
    Listed reading
  • Hobbs, Bruce E., Winthrop D. Means, and Paul F. Williams. An Outline of Structural Geology . New York, NY: Wiley, c1976. ISBN: 9780471401568.
    Listed reading
  • Brittle Deformation
    Listed reading
  • Twiss and Moores. Structural Geology . “Stress Distribution.” Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10, section 10.9, pp. 202-205.
    Listed reading
  • Ductile Deformation
    Listed reading
  • Twiss and Moores. Structural Geology . Chapters 11, and 12.
    Listed reading
  • “The mechanical paradox of large overthrusts.” Geological Society of America Bulletin 100: 1898-1908.
    Listed reading
  • Dahlen, F. A., and J. Suppe. “Mechanics, growth and erosion of mountain belts.” Processes in Continental Lithospheric Deformation . Edited by Clark, et al. GSA Special Paper 218 (1988): 161-178.
    Listed reading
  • Molnar, P., and H. Lyon-Caen. “Some simple aspects of the support, structure and evolution of mountain belts.” Processes in Continental Lithospheric Deformation . Edited by Clark, et al. GSA Special Paper 218 (1988): 179-207.
    Listed reading
  • McClay, K. R. “Glossary of thrust tectonics terms.” In Thrust Tectonics . Edited by K. R. McClay. London, UK: Chapman & Hall, 1992.
    Listed reading
  • Twiss, Robert J., and Eldridge M. Moores. Structural Geology . New York, NY: W. H. Freeman, 1992. ISBN: 9780716722526.
    Required

Prerequisites & course information

Prereq: 12.001 Acad Year 2027-2028: U (Fall) Acad Year 2028-2029: Not offered 3-3-6 units

Sources