Lectures: MW 10:00-11:30a (EPS 184)
Lab: Th 2:30-4:30p (EPS 183)

 

The landforms that surround us are constantly being modified by tectonic forces. Structural geology provides a framework for investigating, describing, and quantifying these changes. This course will provide an introduction to the structures that form at all scales, from millimeter-sized fractures to rifts in Earth's lithosphere thousands of kilometers long. Through the study of these features and the processes that form them, students will gain a fundamental understanding of the physical evolution of our planet. Topics will include descriptive analysis of microscopic and macroscopic structures, field methods, the physical bases for rock deformation, and global tectonics. Prerequisites: Earth Materials (EPSc 352) and Earth Forces (EPSc 353) or permission of instructor.

Textbook: Earth Structure, 2nd Ed (2004) Van Der Pluijm and Marshak

Syllabus

 

Lab Assignments
September 2nd	Primary Structures Lab
September 9th	Brunton Compass Exercise
September 16th	Stereonet Exercise
September 23rd	Interpreting Geologic Maps
September 30th	Geologic Cross Sections
October 22nd-24th	Buzzard Mountain Field Trip
October 28-Nov. 4th	Buzzard Mountain Map
November 11th	Rock Deformation Exercise
November 18th	Sandbox Exercise
December 2nd	Lithospheric Strength Exercise

 

Sandbox Exercise Videos
Experiment 1: sand and flour	video 1
	video 2
	picture 1
	picture 2
Experiment 2: sand, flour, and mylar	video 1
	video 2
	video 3