GE 218 Structural Geology & Tectonics
Instructor:
Office:
Phone:
Email:
Office Hours:
Syllabus Fall 2004
Dr. Paul Kelso
Crawford Hall Room 323
635-2158
pkelso@lssu.edu
M, W 8:00-10:00, F 9-10(and whenever my door is open!)
Class meetings: T & R 10:30-12:00 noon & 1:00-3:50 p.m., Crawford Hall Rm 339
(Some days we will meet earlier and be in the field longer)
Text: Structural Geology of Rocks and Regions, 2nd ed.
by G.H. Davis and S.J. Reynolds, 1996
Student Objectives:
1. Students will design and carry out both field and laboratory studies to answer geologic
questions.
2. Students will develop/create a 3D representation of a rock body based on data collected at
the surface and in the subsurface. They will predict the relationship between 3D features
and 2D and 1D exposures.
3. Through the synthesis of their field observations, geologic maps and cross-sections
students will interpret the geologic history of a region. Students will develop field
mapping skills while creating a variety of geologic maps. They will use the information
on their geologic maps and published geologic maps to create geologic cross-sections and
vise versa.
4. Students will interpret the structural evolution, past plate motions and the tectonic
environments, including stress and strain history, based on structures preserved in the
rocks.
5. Students will predict how deformation and the resulting structures are influenced by
rheology, strain rate, temperature and pressure.
Course Evaluation:
60%
Activities, exercises, presentations, participation, and quizzes
5%
Concept map
15%
Mid-semester exam
20%
Final Exam
You will need the following materials. Bring them with you to each class meeting!
Davis and Renyolds (1996) Structural Geology of rocks and regions, 2nd ed.
Pencil and eraser (preferably 0.5 mm with a fairly hard lead)
straightedge
protractor (smaller is better)
colored pencils
sharpie markers and sample bags (e.g., freezer Ziploc bags)
field book (the geology club has them available)
hand lens - 10x triplet lens (order through the geology club)
map board (coordinate as a class or through the geology club)
Course Format:
This course will concentrate on field geology, structural geology and tectonics. This semester
we will be doing geology. Having me talk at you hour after hour allows me to present material
but it doesn’t necessarily provide you with the best opportunity to learn. We will spend the
semester doing geology as opposed to listening to me talk about it. Therefore, I place a great
deal of the responsibility on you. After all, I can’t do your learning for you.
One of your responsibilities is to come to class and be prepared to participate. We will do a
number of activities, projects, experiments, many of which will involve group work with each
individual having particular responsibilities that must be completed in advance of class. Thus, it
is expected that you will be present for all class meetings unless you have made prior
arrangements. In the unforeseen emergency where you do miss a class it is your responsibility to
do what you need to do to catch up.
FIELD TRIPS: We are fortunate to have a diversity of geologic features exposed in our region
and because we are going to do geology, we will go on a number of field trips. Field trips are
generally scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays. Approximately one field trip a week is planned
for the first half of the semester but trip schedules are somewhat weather dependent. Field trips
will range from a short excursion around campus to an all day trip. I will let you know in
advance when we are going out and how long we will be gone. It is your responsibility to be
on time and be adequately dressed and prepared for all field trips. You will need sturdy
shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, water (2 liters or more), food (snacks/meals),
your field book and hand lens. Sack lunches can be ordered in advance from the quarterdeck.
We will take advantage of our unique locale to participate in a variety of different types of
geological studies. What a great place to do geology!
Your other responsibility is to complete your homework and hand it in on time. You will
often be working together as groups and I encourage you to discuss the material with others. But
I expect you will do your own work and will not copy others. When the time comes that you
must do your own work (for example on an exam or in the work place) you will be at a distinct
disadvantage if you have not learned how to do it yourself.
I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand.
GE 218 - Structural Geology & Tectonics
Fall 2004
Course Activities / Topics:
(in approximate order, order will vary and some topics will be revisited multiple times
as they are presented in the context of individual projects)
Primary and secondary features of rocks
Geologic time
3D visualization
Introduction to geologic field techniques
Geologic maps
Geologic cross sections
Brittle processes
Joints
Faults
Folds
Stress
Strain
Mohr – Coulomb failure
Subsurface maps
Fold mechanisms
Stereonets
Anderson’s theory of faulting
Ductile processes
Foliations
Lineations
Plate tectonics
Strain
Pure and Simple shear
Tectonic motions
Disability Services and Accommodations for Students.
In compliance with Lake Superior State University policy and equal access laws, disabilityrelated accommodations or services are available. Students who desire such services are to meet
with the professor in a timely manner, preferably the first week of class, to discuss their
disability-related needs. Students will not receive services until they register with the Resource
Center for Students with Disabilities (RCSD). Proper registration will enable the RCSD to
verify the disability and determine reasonable academic accommodations. RCSD is located in
KJS Library Room 101. The telephone number is (906) 635-2454.