Structural geologists study of the geometry of geologic structures (such as faults, folds, joints, intrusive bodies, ect.), how these structures form, their significance to the geologic history of an area, and their relationship to plate-tectonic motions. In my opinion, a basic course in structural geology should: 1) enable you to evaluate a suite of geologic structures in order to draw conclusions about their formation and their significance to the geologic history of an area, 2) enable you to apply basic structural analysis techniques to solve problems in a variety of geoscience disciplines, and 3) help you develop the three-dimensional thinking skills needed to evaluate subsurface geology using two-dimensional, surficial data sets. In addition to these three primary goals, this course also aims to improve graphical and written communication skills.
Final drafts of Pemaquid Point papers due Tuesday, November 10
Midterm Exam Thursday, October 15
Field trip--All day Tuesday Sept. 29. We will leave at 11 and return after 5:30. Bring a lunch!First field trip Tuesday Sept. 22
Steve Reynold's website: Contains tons of cool 3-D animations
Rick Allmendinger's website: Cool structural geology animations and great freeware including Stereonet
Leeds University structural geology teaching page: Good slide shows of geologic structures
GeoMapApp: Super-cool mapping freeware
Google
Earth: A very powerful geology tool
USGS geologic map symbols [PDF]:
Complete list of official symbols for geologic structures
Folder containing
animation files [Folder]
Introduction [PPT]
Surfaces and Lines [PPT]
Stereo nets [PPT]
Primary Structures [PPT]
Geologic Maps [PPT]
Foliations and Lineations [PPT]
Faults Introduction [PPT]
Field Notes [PPT]
Folds, Descriptive [PPT]--Supplemental
Fold Mechanics [PPT]
Intro to scientific writing [PPT]
Fold Analysis Techniques [PPT]
Joints and Veins [PPT]
Faults Introduction Addendum [PPT]
Dip-Slip Faults [PPT]
Strike-Slip Faults [PPT]
Mohr-Coulomb Failure [PPT]
Anderson's Theory of Faulting [PPT]
Strain [PPT]
Deformation Mechanisms and Rheology [PPT]