Module GEOL2011: STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY AND TECTONICS

Department: Earth Sciences

GEOL2011: STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY AND TECTONICS

Prerequisites

• How the Earth Works (GEOL1011).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To understand the description and analysis of deformation structures, processes and systems in the Earth.

Content

• Measurement and analysis of deformation structures in the field
• Stress and faulting - hydraulic fracture and fluid flow in faults/fracture systems.
• Strain - ellipsoids and volume change.
• Naterial lines - coaxial vs non-coaxial strain.
• Heterogeneous strain.
• Regional analysis of structures.
• Stereonets.
• Fault rocks and shear sense indicators.
• Crustal deformation.
• Tectonics: rhelogy and thermal structure of the lithosphere.
• Collision zones and thrust belts.
• Rift systems and extensional fault systems.
• Strike-slip faults and terrane tectonics.

Learning Outcomes

• To systematically describe and critically assess the main characteristics of natural deformation systems.
• To relate natural structures to causative tectonic processes.

• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in order to apply structural geological principles and methodologies to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to analyse, evaluate/interpret structural geological data.

• To develop spatial awareness skills to facilitate three-dimensional thinking and analysis.
• Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.
• Solve numerical problems using non-computer techniques.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The module is delivered through a mix of one-hour lectures and two-hour practicals, supported by handouts and web-based background reading and other materials held on DUO.
• In addition, there is a compulsory, 1 day in-term field trip (normally held on a Sunday towards the end of September or beginning of October depending on tidal conditions)
• The practicals and field trip form an important component of the module allowing hands-on learning and experience of tackling and solving structural problems that help re-enforce key concepts introduced during lectures.
• Summative assessment consists of: (1) an e-Poster (25%) comprising the student’s own interpretations of field data and observations collected during the 1 day in-term field trip; (2) an in-class test (25%) that allows students to apply some of the skills acquired during practical classes; and (3) an unseen written exam (50%).
• Formative assessment is provided in practical classes via self-assessed tests and revision sessions. Feedback is also provided via modal answers posted on DUO.
• Guidance on preparation, key and exam skills are provided.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Practical SAQs and revision sessions.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University