Structural Geology
Geology 341    Fall 2009
Outline

Topics for Test #1

1. Introduction:
What is structural geology
What are its applications

2. Plate Tectonics

oStructure of the Earth
oLithosphere vs. Asthenosphere
oEarth's Topography
oIsostacy
oPlate Tectonics
oPlates on a Map- Quakes & Volcanoes
oOceanic Plates
oContinental Plates
oPlate Boundaries and structural styles
convergent
divergent
transform
3. Structures and Contact Relationships
oCross-cutting relationships, law of superposition
oStratigraphic contacts
-Unconformities
oPrimary Sedimentary Structures
oIntrusive contacts
oFault Contacts
-Normal, reverse/thrust, strike-slip
oFolds
-Anticlines& synclines
 
4. Geometry of Deformation
Rigid Body Def.
Translation
Rotation
Displacement vectors and strain paths
Non-Rigid Body Deformation
Homogeneous and non-homogeneous strain
Dilation
Coaxial Strain
Non-Coaxial Strain
Strain Ellipse
Measuring Strain
Stretch
Elongation
Angular Shear
Strain Markers
Strain in 3D (strain ellipsoid)
flattening
constriction
Strain Rates
5. Stress
oForce, vectors
oUnits
oNormal, shear stress
oPressure
oLithostatic Stress
oStress Tensor
stress components
oResolving stress on a plane
Stress ellipsoid
Principal Stresses (s1> s2 >s3)
Stress equations for sigma n , sigma s
Mohr Circle
States of Stress
Stress Trajectories
World Stress Map
Measuring Stress magnitude and orientation
 
6. Brittle Failure
Brittle Structures
fractures, faults, joints, dikes, etc
Link between stress and deformation
Deviatoric stress
Brittle failure envelope
Modes of fracturing
Opening mode-tensile failure
Shear fractures (sliding or scissoring)-compressional failure
Shear fractures form at ±30° to sigma1
Two sets of faults in one state of stress
Role of fluid pressure
Offsets normal stresses-> drives the Mohr circle towards the failure envelope