Structural Geology PDF

Structural geology is the study of the deforma/on of rocks. Features of structural geology. -Largely descrip/ve- it aims at explaining the topic or idea instead of analysing or evalua/ng it. -Deals with dis/nc/on in terms of individual structures (differences between individual structures) -micro fe...

Structural geology is the study of the deforma/on of rocks. Features of structural geology. -Largely descrip/ve- it aims at explaining the topic or idea instead of analysing or evalua/ng it. -Deals with dis/nc/on in terms of individual structures (differences between individual structures) -micro features( seen using an aided eye) -meso /mega features (seen fully with the naked eye) -macro (too big) Deals with structures already formed (secondary rocks) Differences between tectonics and structural geology -Tectonics is largely gene:c-primarily determined by gene:c factors -Tectonics is broader compared to structural geology -It has to do with how the earth was built whereas structural geology talks about the deforma9on process. -Structural geology is an integral part of tectonics, par9cularly in respect to the deforma9on history over 9me. -Tectonics discusses every aspect within it and leaves anything unexamined (encompassing study of surface to core) it analyses everything within it. -Tectonics includes disciplines as diverse as palaeontology and geophysics Palaeontology- the study of the history of life on earth through the examina9on of fossils. Geophysics- study of the physical proper/es and processes of the earth and its surrounding environment. >LOCATION, SCALE AND TIME ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES IN STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY. Factors controlling the types of structures formed -Prevailing temp and pressure of the earths crust -Amount and character of fluid in the crust -The composi/on of the crust -The Anisotrophy and isotrophy -Layering process -How rapidly the structures deform and the stress that act on it. Anisotrophy has to do with the contrast in proper:es with direc:on between and within individual layers. A physical prop.. that measures a different value in all direc/ons. Isotrophy has to do with no contrast in proper/es with direc/on between and within individual layers or uniform in all direc/ons. A physical property that measures the same in all direc/ons. Who is a structural geologist? A structural geologist is someone who explains deforma:on history, describes and depicts geological structures and describes rock bodies and units and their rela:onships. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY -Engineering geology -Mining and petroleum geology -Environmental geology