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Structural Geology

Prof. R.W. Schlische. [Lec. 3 hrs., lab. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: 01:460:101,103, 301 (recommended) and CALC2 (recommended); Corequisite: 01:460:341 (recommended).] Geometrical expression of brittle and ductile structures; strain, stress, and rheology; deformation mechanisms; introduction to tectonics and regional structural geology; computer applications.

Syllabus

Week #
Topics
Lab
1 1. Introduction to structural geology; classification of geologic structures
 		 1. Attitude of planes
2. Thickness & depth; attitude of lines
2 2. Primary structures
3. Diapirs and impact structures		 3. Stereonet 1: planes, poles, lines, rake
3 4. Fold geometry & classification I
5. Fold-related structures; refolded folds
 		 4. Stereonet 2: attitude problems
5. Geostructures: folds
4 6. Foliations and lineations
7. Shear zones & kinematic indicators
 		 6. Stereonet 3: structural analysis (folds)
7. Stereonet 4: rotations 1
5 8. Strain basics
9. Progressive deformation; practical strain measurement		 8. Geologic maps and cross sections
9. Rule of V's; 3-point problems
6 10. Mechanics of folding
11. Origin of foliations & lineations
12A. Deformation mechanisms		 10. Constructing geologic maps: folds
7 12B. Deformation mechanisms
13. Faults: geometry, classification, recognition
Exam 1		 11. Geostructures: Faults
8 14. Faults: folds, shear sense, shear rocks
15. Joints and veins		 12. Contour maps
13. Constructing geologic maps: faults and folds
9 16. Stress
17. Mohr circle for stress		 14. Correcting geologic maps
15. Stereonet 5: stereonet program
10 18. Fracture mechanics
19. Pore-fluid pressure; microscopic view of fracturing		 16. Mohr circle problem set 1
17. Mohr circle problem set 2
11 20. Mechanics of natural fractures
21. Rheology		 18. Intro. to Brunton compass
19.Field Trip I: Folds
12 22. State of stress; strength of crust
23. Plate Tectonics
24. Extensional tectonics
25. Strike-slip tectonics
13 26. Convergent tectonics
27. Fold and thrust belts		 20. Field Trip II: Newark rift basin
14 28. Appalachians/Cordillera 21. Field Trip III: Valley & Ridge
22. Structural Styles 1
15 23. Structural Styles 2
Exam 2 and Lab Final

Prerequisites:

  • 460:101, 103--Introductory Geology and Intro. Geology Lab
  • Corequisite 460:341--Stratigraphy (optional, but highly recommended)

Basis for Grade

  • 1st Exam: 20%
  • 2nd Exam: 25%
  • Top 5 Lists: 15%
  • Labs, problem sets, and lab final: 40%

Assignments

Lab problems assigned on a Monday will be due the next Thursday at the start of lab; lab problems assigned on a Thursday will be due the next Monday at the start of lab.
 

Late Penalty

Assignments that are turned in late will receive a 5% penalty for each day or portion thereof beyond the deadline. Weekends are counted as one day.
 

Top 5 Lists

These are a list of the five most important concepts or topics that were introduced during the lecture. Definitions or diagrams from the supplemental lecture notes are not viable candidates for this list. The specific rules are as follows: (1) You will write out your Top 5 lists (using complete sentences and good grammar for each lecture. (2) The lists are due at the start of the next lecture. (3) I will grade these lists and return the graded lists to you. You will receive 1 point per list item or 5 points per lecture. Partial credit may be given. (4) I will share my own Top 5 lists (perhaps modified based on student input) with the class before each of the two exams.

Slides

I will occasionally show slides illustrating various structural features during my lectures. Following each lecture involving a slide presentation, the images will be available as part of an interactive display utilizing a web browser. The web address is: http://geology.rutgers.edu/slides.html. Students are encouraged to review the slides, because selected images will be incorporated as questions on the examinations.
 

Field Trips

Three field trips are scheduled in April. Attendance is mandatory. Two of the trips will be run jointly with the Stratigraphy class. Written reports will have to be handed in following each trip. A term paper will serve as a makeup for a missed field trip.
 

Required text

  • van der Pluijm, Ben A., and Marshak, S., 1997, Earth Structure: An Introduction to Structural Geology and Tectonics: New York, WCB/McGraw-Hill.

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