GEOL 375
Structural Geology
Geological Sciences
College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Course Description
Geometric, kinematics, and dynamic analysis of tectonic structures. Several studies will be conducted in the field.
When Taught
Fall
Grade Rule
Grade Rule 8: A, B, C, D, E, I (Standard grade rule)
Min
3
Fixed
3
Fixed
3
Fixed
2
Other Prerequisites
Geol 351 or concurrent enrollment; Phscs 105 or concurrent enrollment.
Title
General Statement of Course Objectives
Learning Outcome
My goal is for each of student to learn to become a part of the ongoing conversation about how Earth's crust deforms. This means learning the language of structural geology and using it to share the discoveries they make for themselves. Discoveries in structural geology come through applying best-fit kinematic and dynamic models to geometric reconstructions of observed geological structure. The discovery is complete when they are communicated effectively through writing, illustrations and oral presentation.
Title
Identify in the field and interpret the major deformational
Learning Outcome
1. Identify and measure brittle Structure (extensional and shear fractures, fault-related folds)
2. Identify and measure ductile Structure (flow folds, cleavage, foliation and rock fabrics)
Title
Conduct a geometric structural analysis
Learning Outcome
1. Acquire reliable measurements of the geometry of structures with a compass
2. Present and manipulate data using stereographic projection
3. Interpret stress and kinematic histories from structural measurements
4. Infer geometry of subsurface and missing parts of structures from measurements in order to construct a viable geologic cross-section.
Title
Conduct a kinematic structural analysis
Learning Outcome
1. Identify and interpret sense-of-shear indicators associated with both brittle and ductile structures in the field
2. Reconstruct the deformation path of a structural feature or deformed region
Title
Conduct a Dynamic Sturctural Analysis
Learning Outcome
1. Derive the normal and shear stress components for rock failure from lab data.
2. Use these results to derive the constituitive equations for deformation
3. Quantify the contribution of each deformational mechanism in a region.
Title
Forecast the next major earthquake along the Wasatch Fault
Learning Outcome
1. Measure the orientation, slip rate and direction of the Wasatch Fault
2. Combine these measurements with GPS and EDM results on strain accumulation rates
3. Determine the most likely location and magnitude of the next large earthquake along the Wasatch Fault.
Title
Societal relevance of structural geology
Learning Outcome
1. Use structural data to predict the best location to drill for water, oil and gas.
2. Use structural data to predict the location of mineral resources
3. Use structural data to predict the environmental impact of toxic waste disposal
