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Nature and origin of structures produced by deformation in the earth's crust. Currently active tectonic processes and the effects on surface deformation, landscape and seismicity. Techniques for the analysis and representation of the spatial geometry of structures.
When rocks in the Earth's crust are subjected to stresses generated by dynamic tectonic processes, they are deformed into a variety of structures. The material properties of rocks affect the way in which they respond and this course introduces the physical principles which explain the origin of common structures, such as folds and faults. While the lecture course emphasises the nature and origin of the range of deformation structures, the laboratory course concentrates on the practical geometric methods associated with deriving and representing the three dimensional form of such structures. This involves the use of various projection techniques to solve problems that are commonly encountered in geological practice. In the latter part of the course, a synthesis of the way in which characteristic associations of structures develop into distinctive styles in different tectonic settings is introduced. What the course entails:Two lectures and one practical class per week.What you need for this course:The required prerequisites for GEOL233 are GEOL111 "Planet Earth" and GEOL112 "Understanding Earth History". With HOD permission, GEOL113 "Environmental Geohazards" may be substituted for either GEOL111 or GEOL112.What this course gets you into:GEOL233 is a prerequisite for GEOL334 and it may partly satisfy the prerequisite requirements for GEOL337 and GEOL338.
Students successfully completing this course will:have an understanding of the basic principles of the mechanics of rock deformation;be familiar with a range common deformational structures, their classification, terminology and the way in which they are associated in the principal tectonic regimes generated by primary plate interactions and gravitational processes; andbe able to apply a range of standard graphic techniques to the analysis of geologic structures.
GEOL111 and GEOL112 (GEOL113 or GEOL114 may be substituted for either of these provided a candidate has attained an overall B grade in GEOL 100 level courses, ora standard which is acceptable to the HOD).
Laboratories will be held in Room 221 (200 Level Laboratory Level 2 von Haast Building).
Uwe Ring
Jarg Pettinga
Davis, George H. , Reynolds, Stephen J; Structural geology of rocks and regions ; 2nd ed. ; John Wiley, 1996.
Leyshon, Peter R. , Lisle, Richard J; Stereographic projection techniques in structural geology ; Butterworth-Heinemann, 1996.
Marshak, Stephen , Mitra, Gautam; Basic methods of structural geology ; Prentice Hall, 1988.
Park, R. G; Foundations of structural geology ; 3rd ed; Chapman and Hall, 1997.
Price, Neville J. , Cosgrove, J. W; Analysis of geological structures ; Cambridge University Press, 1990.
Ragan, Donal M; Structural geology : an introduction to geometrical techniques ; 3rd ed; Wiley, 1985.
Twiss, Robert J. , Moores, Eldridge M; Structural geology ; W.H. Freeman, 1992.
Van der Pluijm, Ben A. , Marshak, Stephen; Earth structure : an introduction to structural geology and tectonics ; 2nd ed; W.W. Norton, 2004.
Other Texts held on Restricted Loan Price, N.J. and Cosgrove J.W. “Analysis of Geologic Structures” Cambridge University Press. Former text book, intended for advancing students but some sections provide good supplementary material for this course. Secondhand copies may be available Twiss, R.J. and Moores, E.M. 1992 “Structural Geology” W.H. Freeman. Former course text and recommended as an alternative to Park as an introductory text. It offers a more extensive coverage of the subject with good diagrams. Marshak, S and Mitra, G 1988: “ Basic Methods of Structural Geology” Prentice Hall. Alternative laboratory manual with practice exercises.Leyshorn, P.R. and Lisles, R. 1996: "Stereographic Projection Techniques in Structural Geology" Butterworth-Heinemann. Laboratory manual specific to the stereographic projection.Available Resource"Rock Deformation" is an interactive computer based tutorial covering stress and rock fracture, Mohr diagrams, strain and shear sense indicators, accessed through the undergraduate PC facilities under the GEOL 233 course folder.
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Relationship of GEOL233 to Other CoursesGEOL111 and GEOL112 are required for this course (or, with the permission of the Head of Department, GEOL113 or GEOL 114 and either GEOL111, or GEOL112). A knowledge of structural geology is fundamental to many areas of geology and GEOL233 is relevant to the field courses, courses in basin studies, regional tectonics, petrology and engineering geology at third and fourth year level. GEOL233 is a specific prerequistie for GEOL334 and strongly recommended for GEOL338. It is accepted as one possible choice for entry to GEOL351 and 352 Advanced Field Studies, and GEOL336-338. Those intending to proceed to 400 level courses will require GEOL233 or an equivalent background for GEOL473 and GEOL479 and strongly recommended for ENGE 474.
Domestic fee $434.00
International fee $1,953.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Geological Sciences .