The structural geology component of the course introduces the basic concepts of brittle and ductile deformation processes and how they control the strength, mechanical behaviour and development of structures in the Earth's continental crust. The course provides a basic understanding of the forces driving deformation, and the displacements and strains associated with simple crustal deformations. Emphasis is placed on (1) illustrating how deformation processes change under the influence of changing pressures and temperatures with increasing depth in the lithosphere, and (2) examining the basic types of structures produced by single episodes of brittle and ductile deformation of the continental crust, and how their styles and geometries vary as a function of depth in the continental crust.

The field geology component of the course is a practical, field-based program which introduces the fundamentals of geologic mapping techniques in undeformed to simply folded and faulted and relatively unmetamorphosed sedimentary and igneous terrains. The week will comprise three assessable assignments: measuring stratigraphic columns, mapping igneous contacts, and introduction to mapping deformed sediments.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Recognise structures produced by simple crustal deformation.
2. Map and quantitatively describe the geometry of structures in simply folded and faulted regions.
3. Produce geological maps and cross-sections, and predict structures at depth and in areas of poor outcrop in simply folded and faulted regions.
4. Interpret the geometry of simple structures (folds, faults, fractures, veins and shear zones) in terms of the stress regimes that produced them, and the displacements and strains associated with their development.
5. Explain how the types of deformation processes and the styles and geometries of structures produced during continental deformation are influenced by the intensity of deformation, and by the depth and temperature of their formation in the Earth's crust.

The structural geology and field geology components of the course are assessed separately, with equal weighting. Assessment will be based on:

• 2-hour structural geology theory exam, to be held at a negotiated time after the mid-semester break (30%; LO 1, 4, 5)
• Structural geology laboratory and fieldwork assignments: three laboratory assignments, one half-day field assignment and one full day field assignment (20%; LO 1, 4, 5)
• Presentation of maps and cross-sections produced during field mapping during Field Geology component (50%; LO 1, 2, 3)

Two hours of lectures and three hours of practicals weekly for seven weeks starting at the beginning of semester. A seven day field mapping exercise will be undertaken during the mid-semester break.

Any first year EMSC course

GEOL2012

McClay, K.R. (1987) The Mapping of Geological Structures, Open University Press.
Barnes, J. (1991)  Basic Geological Mapping. The Geological Field Guide.