
Structural Geology
Code
7712
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia
Department
Departamento de Ciências da Terra
Credits
6.0
Teacher in charge
José Carlos Ribeiro Kullberg, Martim Afonso Ferreira de Sousa Chichorro
Weekly hours
5
Teaching language
Português
Objectives
It is expected that, after concluding the discipline, students be able to identify, analyze and interpret geological structures of tectonic origin and acquire special skills on the use of the stereographic net (Schmidt projection and statistical projections) applied to geological and geotechnical problems. It is also aimed to give formation and tools for comprehensive interpretation of geological maps of structurally complex areas. With the final 3 to 4 days field trip, it is supposed that students get new and deeper skills on field work, specially on the identification and measuring of geological structures, on the identification of different types of contacts (tectonic and non-tectonic), and on the definition and correlation of tectono-stratigraphic units, the starting point for geological mapping.
Prerequisites
It is recommended that students have already concluded the following disciplines, with success, which are previous to this discipline: General Geology, Mineralogy, Stratigraphy and Sedimentary Petrology and Sedimentology.
Subject matter
Theoretical classes:
Objectives of Structural Geology. Introduction to basic concepts (1 lecture). Part I – Geometrical analysis of geological structures: fractures, folds, cleavage and schistosity, lineations. Synthesis of geometrical analysis on different scales; vergence. Igneous intrusive bodies (5 lectures). Part II – Stress and strain. Rheology. Kinematic analysis of geological structures: mechanisms of fracturation, folding and emplacement of igneous intrusive bodies (5 lectures). Part III – Tectonics and regional deformation. Analysis of large-scale structures, in different geodynamic environments: extensional, compressional and strike-slip. Salt and magmatic diapirism. The concept of “étage structurale” (3 lectures).
Practical classes:
The use of Stereographic Projection in Structural Geology (the Schmidt net). Foundations, basic mechanisms and practical exercises. (8 lectures, 3 hours each). Analysis and interpretation of geologic maps of regions with complex structures (6 classes – 18 hours). Field trip (facultative, after the ending of the discipline) (5 days).
Bibliography
G. H. DAVIS (1984) – Structural Geology of Rocks and Regions. J. Wiley & Sons, New York, 492 p.
M. C. KULLBERG & J. C. KULLBERG (2003) – Geologia Estrutural - Apontamentos de apoio às aulas Fac. Ciências Tecn., UNL, Lisboa, 184 p.
B. A. van der PLUIJM & S. MARSHAK (1997) – Earth Structure: an Introduction to Structural Geology and Tectonics. WCB/McGraw-Hill, USA, 495 p.
J. G. RAMSAY & M. I. HUBER (1983-1998) – The Techniques of Modern Structural Geology. Academic Press,Inc., London, 3 Vol.
R. J. TWISS & E. M. MOORES (1992) – Structural Geology. W.H. Freeman & Co., New York, 532 p.
Teaching method
- Tutorial teaching and learning methods for the traditional classes (theoretical and practical);
- Assisted online methods for complementary classes, using the Moodle tool;
- Classes in the field for the field component of the discipline.
Evaluation method
Written tests for theoretical (T) and practical (P – stereographic projection; M – analysis and interpretation of maps) components. Students can choose to make each part on separate days. Final classification (F) through the equation: F=1/2(T) + 1/2[(P+M)/2].
For final approval F>9,5 and T, P and M >=8,0 (in a 0-20 scale).