Structural Geology and Geotectonics 3(2-1) (PGP 2109)
Course Level:
2
Course Credit:
3 CU
Description:
This is a full-fledged course, which introduces a student to, and offers an in-depth overview of
geological structures. It covers factors affecting deformation of rocks, primary and secondary
structures as well as plate tectonics.
Course Objectives
At the end of the course students should be able to:
1. Describe the background and scope of structural geology.
2. Explain the processes involved in the formation of rocks, the criteria that control
deformation mechanisms, and the effect of deforming forces
3. Determine strain in deformed rocks.
4. Describe the broad structure of the earth, the processes that moulded it into its present
form and how they are related.
5. Identify structures, collect structural data, stereographically analyse it and provide
correct interpretations.
6. Explain the concept of plate tectonics
Course Outline
Content
Hours
Introduction: Scope and nature of structural geology, primary structures5
bedding laminations, top and bottom features of strata.
Mechanics of deformation: Rheological behaviour of rocks, Stress and 8
strain, Failure by rupture, Mohr diagrams
Secondary rock structures: Mechanisms of formation and classification of 6
structures e.g. Faults, Folds, Joints, Cleavage.
Structures in intrusive and extrusive rocks: Structures of the fluid and 4
plastic stages, flow structures, structures of plutons, salt domes and
diapirs etc.
Geotectonics: Lithospheric deformation, Plate tectonics theory, driving
7
mechanisms of plate tectonics, geosynclines, mobile belts - orogenic
belts, rift zones.
Practicals: Analysis and interpretation of structural data
30
Mode of Delivery
The course will be taught using lectures, tests, assignments, and practicals
Assessment
Assignments, practicals and tests
Final examination
Reading List:
40 %
60%

POLLARD, D.P.& RLETCHER, R.C. (2005): Fundamentals of Structural Geology.
Cambridge University Press.

MANDL, G. (2005): Rock Joints: The Mechanical Genesis. Springer Verlag

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COLLINSON & THOMSON D. B., (1987). Sedimentary Structures.
DAVIS G. H., (1984). Structural Geology of Rocks and Regions. John Wiley & Sons,
New York
HOBBS B. E., MEANS W. D. & WILLIAMS F. P., (1976). An Outline of Structural
Geology. John Wiley & Sons, New York Chichester Brisbane Toronto, 571p.
HILLS E. S., (1970). Elements of Structural Geology.
JAEGAR & COOK, (1969). Fundamentals of Rock Mechanics.
PARK R. G., (1989). Foundations of Structural Geology.2nd ed. Chapman & Hall, New
York, 148pp.
PARK R. G., (2001). Foundations of Structural Geology.3rd ed. Nelson Thornes,
Cheltenham,UK. 202pp.
PHILLIPS F. C., (1971). The Use of Stratigraphic Projection in Structural Geology. 3 rd
Edition. Edward Arnold Ltd.87pp.
PRICE N. J., (1966). Fault and Joint Development in Brittle and Semi-Brittle Rock.
Pergamon Press, New York, 176pp.
RAGAN M. D., (1985). Structural Geology: An Introduction to Geometric Techniques.
3rd Edition.
RAMSAY (1967). Folding and Fracturing of Rocks. Mac Graw Hill.
RAMSAY (1983). Stress and Strain Analysis. London Academic Press.
ROWLAND S. M. & DUEBENDORFER E. M., (1994) Structural Analysis and
Synthesis: A Laboratory Course in Structural Geology. 2nd ed. Blackwell Scientific Publ.
279pp.
WILSON G., (1982). Introduction to small-scale geological structures. George Allen &
Unwin, London, UK. 128pp.
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