Title
Code
Level
Credit rating
Pre-requisites
Type of module
Aims
Learning outcomes/objectives
Content
Teaching and learning strategies
Learning support s
Comments/notes
Structural Geology
GG 206
5
10 CATS points
None
Delivered over one semester
To introduce principles of structural geology in the context of crustal processes and to develop skills in the analysis and interpretation of structural information obtained at various scales of observation.
Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1.
explain the relationship between stress and strain, and what is meant by the strain ellipse, simple shear and pure shear, and brittle and ductile behaviour
2.
describe and classify folds, explain fold-generating mechanisms and the factors that control fold geometries
3.
describe and explain structural features associated with extensional faulting, thrust faulting, strike-slip faulting and deep crustal shear zones
4.
explain applications of structural geology in the fields of civil engineering and resource exploration
5.
describe and interpret rock deformation fabrics observed in outcrop, hand specimen and thin section, and relate these to crustal depth and/or regional tectonic events
6.
explain strain markers and how these are used to calculate total strain in a deformed rock
7.
plot linear and planar structural elements as points and lines on stereographic projections, and interpret these projections in the context of structural development
Each of the topics within structural geology is studied including the analyses and application of all aspects of rock deformation. There is an emphasis on practical techniques and use is made of specimen material to demonstrate strain markers, folding, features of fault planes and fault rocks.
Lectures, practical classes, and one day of field work at localities near Brighton
Indicative reading:
Park, R. 2000. Foundations of Structural Geology. 3 rd edition.
Stanley Thornes.
Davis, G.H. and Reynolds 2005. Structural Geology of Rocks
and Regions. 3 rd edition. Wiley.
Hatcher, R.D. 1995. Structural Geology: principles, concepts,
and problems. 2 nd edition. Prentice Hall.
Lisle, R.J. and Leyshon, P.R. 2007. Stereographic projection
techniques for Geologists and Civil Engineers. 2 nd edition.
Cambridge University Press.
Pollard, D.D. and Raymond, C.F. 2005. Fundamentals of
structural geology. Cambridge University Press.
Ramsay, J.G. The techniques of Modern Structural Geology.

Volume 1 Strain Analysis (1983). Volume 2 Folds and
Fractures (1987). Harcourt Publishers Ltd.
Rowland, S.M. et al. 2007. Structural Analysis and Synthesis:
A laboratory course in structural geology. 3 rd edition.
Blackwell.
Twiss, R.J. and Moores, E.M. 1992. Structural Geology. WH
Freeman.
Computer courseware: UKESCC modules 'Rock deformation and geological structures' and 'Using stereonets in geology'.
Assessment tasks
Brief description of module content and/or aims (maximum
80 words)
Teaching collections in the Geology Laboratory.
Standard examination (50%) (LOs 1-6)
Coursework (practical exercises) (50%) (LOs 5-7)
This module is a basic introduction to structural geology in the context of crustal processes. It has a practical emphasis in order to develop skills in the analysis and interpretation of structural information obtained at various scales of observation. Structural geology is an essential component of geological investigations, particularly in the sedimentary rocks of southern Britain. Examples of applying structural geology to mining projects, major engineering schemes and resource exploration are used to illustrate major topics in structural geology.
Geography and Geology Area examination board to which module relates
Module team/authors/coordin ator
Semester offered, where appropriate
Laurence Hopkinson (coordinator), Norman Moles and
Martin Smith (team)
2
Site where delivered Moulsecoomb
Date of first July 2001 approval
Date of last revision
July 2009
Date of approval of this version
Version number
Replacement for previous module
Field for which module is acceptable and status in that field
Course(s) for which module is acceptable and status in that course
School home
External examiner
4
Geology (compulsory)
Geography and Geology, Earth & Ocean Science,
Geography, Environmental Science, Environmental
Hazards (all optional)
BSc Geology (compulsory)
BSc Geography and Geology, BSc Earth & Ocean Science,
BSc Geography, BSc Environmental Science, BSc
Environmental Hazards (all optional)
School of Environment and Technology
Prof John Cosgrove or successor