Elements of Structural Geology

Code:

GEOL1003

Acronym:

GEOL1003

Level:

100

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Geology

Instance: 2019/2020 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Geosciences, Environment and Spatial Plannings
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Biology

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:B	1	Official Study Plan	3	-	6	56	162
L:CC	0	Plano de estudos a partir de 2014	2	-	6	56	162
			3
L:F	0	Official Study Plan	2	-	6	56	162
L:M	0	Official Study Plan	2	-	6	56	162
			3
L:Q	0	study plan from 2016/17	3	-	6	56	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

The aims of Structural Geology are the study of deformed rocks. This is achieved by the description of the geometry of geological structures, by the kinematics that rocks have experienced during their deformation history and by the understanding of the dynamics involved during the deformation. There are studied principles of rock mechanics (stress, strain and reology).

Learning outcomes and competences

Knowledge and understanding of the fundamental concepts of structural geology and its applications. Development of practical skills in the field of structural mapping and graphical techniques for representation and analysis of structural data.

Working method

Presencial

Program

INTRODUCTION 1.Structural geology as a science 2. Aims 3. Structures: examples 4. Scales of observation 5. Structural analysis: descriptive, dynamic and kinematic DINAMIC ANALYSIS 1. Stress 1.1 Definition and units 1.2 Normal stress and shear stress 1.3 Principal stress directions 1.4 Stress tensor 2. Two dimensional stress 2.1 The Mohr Diagram stress 2.2 Maximal stress directions 3. Three dimensional stress 3.1 The Mohr Diagram stress 4. Special cases 5. Deviatoric stress 6. Hydrostatic stress 7. Lithostatic stress 8. Exercises KINEMATIC ANALYSIS 1. Strain 2. Strain parameters 2.1 Changes in lenghts 2.2 Changes in angles 3. Homogeneous and heterogenous deformation 4. Two dimensional homogeneous deformation 4.1 The strain ellipse 4.2 Rotational and non-rotational strain; coaxial and nocoaxial strain 4.3 The Mohr Strain Diagram 4.4 Pure shear and simple shear 5. Determination of strain ellipse 6. Three dimensional strain 6.1 Strain ellipsoid 6.2 Flinn Diagram 6.3 The Mohr Strain Diagram 7.1 7. Strain rates 7.1 Geological strain rates STRUCTURES 1.Folds 1.1 Geometry of folds 1.2 Attitude of the fold 1.3 Classifying folds 1.4 Flexural slip fold, buckling 1.5 Kinematic analysis of folding 2. Foliation 2.1 Nature of foliation 2.1.1 Fracture cleavage 2.1.2 Crenulation cleavage 2.1.3 Slaty cleavage and Schistosity 3. Faults 3.1 Strain significance of faults 3.2 Definitions and distinctions 3.3 Dynamic analysis of faulting (Anderson’s theory) 3.4 Normal-slip faults 3.4.1 Ramp-flat geometry. 3.4.2 Listric normal faulting. Detachment faulting. Imbricate listric normal faulting 3.4.3 Normal fault systems. 3.4.4 Horsts and graben. 3.4.5 Rift valleys 3.4.6 Extensional tectonics 3.5 Thrust and reverse -slip faults 3.5.1 Overthrusts 3.5.2 Ramp-flat geometry. 3.6 Strike-slip faulting 3.6.1 Transformant faults 3.6.2 Transpression and transtension 3.6.3 Pull- apart basins 3.6.4 Strike slip faults.Flower structures. 4. Lineations 4.1 Slickensides 4.2 “Boudinage” 4.3 Quatz rods 4.4 Mullions 4.5 Mineral lineations. Lineations a and b. Practical contents I- Descriptive geometry. Basically exercises. Applications in Structural Geology. Translative faults. II- Stereographic projection. Applications in Structural Geology. III- Block diagrams.

Mandatory literature

Davis, G.H.& Reynolds, S.J.D; Structural geology of rocks and regions. 776 pp., John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1996
Mattauer, M. ; Ce que disent les pierres. Belin. 144 pp., Belin., 1998
Ramsay, J.G. & Hubner, M.; The techniques of modern structural geology. Strain analysis. Vol.1, 307 pp., Academic Press., 1993
Ramsay, J.G. & Hubner, M.; The techniques of modern structural geology. Folds and fractures., Vol.2, 700 pp., 1983. ISBN: Academic Press

Teaching methods and learning activities

In the classes we use presentations like Powerpoint, which include graphs, diagrams, images, photographs and field photos. These materials are placed in SIGARRA early in the semester, so students can organize their files in advance. We also use Flash videos related to the processes of structures formation.

Observation of hand samples is also performed.A field trip is always done in the end of the semester.

In some classes exercises which involve theoretical concepts are presented.

 

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	50,00
Frequência das aulas	50,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

Obrigatoriedade de presença nas aulas T.P

Calculation formula of final grade

 

Final exam of theoretical andpractical contents; the weights of each element are as follows: 50% for theoretical exam, 50% for practical exam.

The minimum grade in each of the parts (theoretical and practical) is 8 in 20.