GY403L Structural Geology Laboratory Syllabus
Dr. David Allison
I. Laboratory Course
GY403L Structural Geology Laboratory
II. Laboratory Description
The study of field and office techniques that are useful for
classifying and quantifying geological structures.
III. Laboratory Objectives
Upon completion of this laboratory section the student will be
familiar with field and office methods that are used as the basis
of constructing accurate geologic maps. The student will be
introduced to stereographic projections, and to statistical
analysis of structural orientation data. Laboratory methods for
detecting and analyzing a wide variety of geologic
structures will comprise the majority of the laboratory course.
IV. Laboratory Topics
The following laboratory topics will be covered sequentially
during the semester:
WEEK 1: Geological Attitudes and 3D Block Diagram Interpretation
WEEK 2: Apparent Dip and Three-Point Problems
WEEK 3:
Stereographic Projection Problems I: Apparent Dips &
Geometry
WEEK 4: Stereographic Projection Problems II: Rotations
WEEK 5: Contoured Stereonets
WEEK 6: Campus Geologic Map Exercise
WEEK 7: Thickness and Depth Problems
WEEK 8: Outcrop Prediction
WEEK 9: Stress Analysis
WEEK
10:
Spring Break (March 14-18)
WEEK
11:
Strain Analysis
WEEK
12:
Fault Net Slip
WEEK
13:
Geological Cross-sections
WEEK
14:
Field Mapping Project (High Fall Branch April 16-17; Tent
Camping)
WEEK
15:
Review for Final
WEEK
16:
Lab Final Practical (April 28, Th.2-5PM; open book)
V. Text
Structural Geology Laboratory Manual by David T. Allison, 4th
Edition
VI. Procedures for Assessing Student Performance
You will be required to obtain certain materials to complete the
laboratory assignments. A list of required lab tools and supplies
follows:
Required Tools & Supplies
NOTE: the below links are suggestions- better deals may be
found elsewhere!
1. Drawing pencils ( 0.5mm, HB and 2H lead).
2. Engineers Scale (Engineer's Scale: 10ths, 20ths, etc. inch).
3. Protractor (6 inch diameter, cut-out center).
4. Colored Pencil Set
5. 8.5" x 11" smooth, hard surface drawing paper, suitable for
use with a pigment liner. Good quality inkjet paper should
work.
6. 8.5 x 11 vellum (50 sheets).
7. Drafting tape or "Drafting Dots".
8. 2 inking triangles (30-60-90 )
9. A compass for drawing circles 7 inches diameter. You do not
have to get an expensive engineering compass- any type will do.
10. Pigment liner Drafting Pens (set of 5)
11. Plastic Eraser
12. Two Notebooks, 3-ring binder type for holding 8.5 x 11 inch
paper.
13. Calculator with trig functions.
14. Field "Rite in Rain" notebook
15. Field "Rite in Rain" pen
Optional Tools
1. Drafting Board - these can be very handy if you want to work
on your labs at home.
2. Clipboard for field mapping exercise.
3. USB “Jump drive” for storing applications and data.
4. Field book cover.
5. Rock pick
List of Vendors for Above Supplies (NOTE: no single vendor
will supply all of the above equipment and supplies)
1. Forestry Suppliers (online)
2. USA Bookstore
3. Anders Bookstore
4. Mobile Instrument (Mobile AL)
5. Hobby Lobby (Mobile AL)
6. Alabama Art Supply (Mobile AL)
7. Office Depot
8. Amazon.com (online)
Exam & Assignment Percentages
The percentage weightings for exams and assignments are as
follows:
LABORATORY GRADE PERCENTAGES
Average of lab assignments: 30% of Lab grade
Lab Practical exam: 50% of Lab grade
Lab Problem Review Participation: 20% of Lab Grade
Lab Assignment Page Format
Page size is letter (8.5" x 11"). Use this format for each problem
unless otherwise instructed. In some cases a scale or north arrow
may not be required.
Exercise Number
Problem Number
Scale (is applicable)
Numerical Answers:
North Arrow (if applicable)
Center problem on page
Center problem on page
Lower Right Corner:
Name (printed)
Date Due
A 3-hole punch binder notebook will be required for the lab
problems. Having your problem sets together in one place will
aid you in this course and in the future. Notebooks will be kept
according to the below guidelines. Failure to use guidelines will
result in the deduction of points:
1. Exercise assignment sheet(s) for the week will precede all
problems for that week.
2. Labs must be done on lineless paper and entered into the
notebook (i.e. use a 3-hole punch).
3. Only one problem or portion of a problem per page.
4. Problems must be labeled on every page as shown below:
5. ASSIGNED SCALE MUST BE USED. Failure to comply
will result in no credit for that problem.
6. All problems should be done in black ink with a rapidograph,
unless otherwise instructed.
7. Neatness and accuracy go together. Accuracy required for full
credit will be determined by problem difficulty and by scale.
Neatness will account for 10% of each lab assignment.
8. Some problems will require a written portion outlining the
procedures used to solve the problem. The written portion
should be placed in the bottom third of the problem
construction, or it should be entered beginning at the top of a
separate sheet.
Exercises assigned in lab will be due at the beginning of the
next laboratory period unless otherwise announced. Since I
always go over the answers to the previous assigned lab at the
beginning of class, there is no possibility of turning in a "late"
lab.
The lab period will be devoted to a review of previous
assignments and instruction on and demonstrations of new
problem material. All assignments are to be done as
independent work. I encourage you to discuss the principles
involved with your classmates. However, if you depend on your
fellow class members too heavily you will have great difficulty
with the laboratory final examination. Because this examination
composes a large proportion of your laboratory grade, it is
unlikely that you can pass the laboratory if you rely heavily on
your classmates, or old labs from former students, for answers
to weekly assignments. It is very important that, if you are
having problems, you should seek the instructor or laboratory
assistant for assistance. Most principles involved with a given
lab are built upon those learned in previous labs, so you cannot
afford to fall behind in this class.
Students should note that there is a required Sat.-Sun. field trip
for the 7th laboratory (Tannehill State Park near Tuscaloosa AL)
during the 7th week of class. This field exercise will be one of
the few opportunities prior to a summer field course that you
will have a firsthand opportunity to learn the techniques of
geological field mapping.
The University of South Alabama provides reasonable
accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Please see me if you have special needs.
VII. Instructors for the Course
Instructor: David Allison
Office: Room 344 LSCB
Office Hours: Will be posted on office door
This course is usually provided a student assistant for the
laboratory whose main function is to assist students completing
the laboratory exercises, and to assist the instructor in grading.
The student assistant, if available, will be announced during the
first lab. It is recommended that students take advantage of the
knowledge available from the laboratory teaching assistant.
VIII. Bibliography
Davis, George H., and Reynolds, Stephen J., 1996, Structural
Geology of Rocks and Regions, 2nd ed. : John Wiley & Sons,
Inc., New York, New York, 776p.
NOTE TO GEOLOGY MAJORS: Every semester the
Geology/Geography Department designates a specific week as advising
week. This is the period designated for you and your advisor to meet
and discuss your progress and future courses. Please take advantage of
this designated time- your advisor may refuse to advise you at other
times. Be aware that you should meet with your advisor every quarter
so that the departmental secretary can mark you from the registration
"hold" list. It is your responsibility to make an appointment with your
advisor, and to make sure that he/she marks you off of the registration
"hold" list after you have been advised. If you are on the hold list you
will not be able to register with phone registration. You can check with
the departmental secretary each semester to determine the dates of
advising week.
dallison@southalabama.edu
David Allison Home Page
USA Undergraduate Bulletin
University of South Alabama