THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY GEOL 260: STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY

THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY
GEOL 260: STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY
COURSE SYLLABUS
Instructor: Keith Klepeis , Office Hours Monday 9-10 AM
TA: Hannah Blatchford, Office Hours Wednesday 3-4 PM
Lecture & Lab: 2:50-5:20 Tues, Thurs Delehanty 101
DESCRIPTION
This course introduces you to the practical techniques and concepts used in modern structural
geology. The analysis of geological structures and the forces that drive crustal deformation represents
an important part of interpreting the architecture of our planet and the processes by which it evolves.
This branch of geology also has many practical applications in a wide range of fields, including
geological hazard assessment (including landslides and earthquakes), engineering geology,
hydrogeology, soil and material sciences, and resource exploration. This course builds on many of the
analytical techniques and skills learned in field geology (Geol 101) and in other geology courses.
Photograph of a recumbent fold from Patagonia.
GOALS:
This course is designed to help you develop new analytical techniques and skills that are useful
in solving geological problems. We will explore the interpretation of geological maps, theoretical &
experimental models of rock deformation and learn to predict the behavior of geologic materials under
different geologic conditions. The goals for the course are to:
• Develop an understanding of geological map and cross section analysis.
• Develop an improved ability to visualize and analyze geological features in 3-D.
• Develop a quantitative understanding of common geological forces and processes.
• Learn to utilize different types of geologic data to solve structural problems.
ASSESSMENT:
Problem sets and quizzes....................30%
Examinations (2)................................45%
Final Paper..........................................25%
Please note: late reports will be reduced by one letter grade per day.
TEXTBOOK AND OTHER MATERIALS:
You will be provided with a variety of class notes, exercises, handouts and other materials. You should
purchase the following textbook available at the bookstore: Davis, G.H., Reynolds, S.J., Kluth, C.F.,
2012, Structural Geology of Rocks and Regions, 3rd edition, J. Wiley & Sons Inc., 839 pp. If you prefer
you may purchase an e-text from the publisher, which is more economical:
http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-EHEP002160.html
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
You may do your assignments using a suitable vector-based graphics software package, such as
Adobe IllustratorTM. If you choose this option, it is your responsibility to upload the materials into the
software package and produced high-quality, well-documented work. You also are responsible for
printing hard copies of all assignments. Alternatively, you may do the exercises by hand on paper. If
you choose the latter, you will need the following equipment:
1. eraser
2. tracing paper
5. hard lead and colored pencils
3. ruler
6. compass for circle drawing
4. protractor
7. graph paper and white unlined paper
In addition please bring to class:
• A calculator with trig. functions
• ALL class handouts
PREREQUISITES AND PRIOR KNOWLEDGE:
The prerequisite for this course is GEOL 101 (Field Geology). I expect you to know how to identify
basic types of rocks, minerals, and rock structures commonly found in Vermont. You also should be
familiar with using basic field tools, such as a hand lens, a compass, and keeping a field notebook. I
expect you to be knowledgable about analytical techniques including measuring strikes and dips, cross
section construction, and the use of stereographic projections. Our textbook reviews these topics.
COURSE OUTLINE
Geologic map & cross section analysis
Jan 26, 28
Feb 2, 4
Feb 9, 11
Feb 16, 18
Feb 23
Introduction to map analysis and profiles. A. Lab 1: Topography, structure
contours, and 3-point problems. B. Lab 2: Profile construction and fold analysis.
Vergence and facing techniques. A. Lab 3: Oliver’s Knob. B. Lab 4: Valenta Cove.
A. Valenta Cove lab continued. Fold analysis using stereonets. B. Superposed folds
and foliations, hand sample analysis. Begin Fergusson Creek (Lab 5)
A. Fergusson Creek lab continued. B. Exam review and practice problems.
EXAM #1 on February 23rd.
Stress, fracture and fault analysis
Feb. 25-Mar 3
Mar 7-11
Mar 15, 17
Mar 22, 24
Mar 29, 31
Apr 5, 7
Forces, stress calculations and Mohr circles. Mohr circle Lab 1.
SPRING BREAK
Fracture experiments, Mohr-Coulomb fracture criterion. Mohr Circle Lab 2
Northeast GSA meeting in Albany, NY
Pore fluid pressure & faulting. Applications to thrust belts. Mohr Circle Lab 3.
A. Exam review. B. EXAM #2 on April 7th.
Strain analysis and progressive deformation
Apr 12, 14
Apr 19
Apr 21, 26, 28
May 3
Strain and progressive deformation.
Applications to shear zones, kinematic analysis and mylonites
Field Trips (Mechanicsville, Shelburne) and field report assignment.
FIELD REPORT DUE.