69261 - Structural Geology and Tectonics

Learning outcomes

This course will teach the students how to recognize and analyze tectonic structures at different scales, from hand samples to outcrop and regional scale, in the framework of different geodinamical settings.

Course contents

Part 1 – Structural geology

1.      Structural Geology and analysis

2.      Strain

3.      Stress

4.      Rheology

5.      Fractures and Brittle Deformation

6.      Faults

7.      Kinematics and paleostress in the brittle regime

8.      Deformazione alla microscala Microstructures and deformation

9.     Folds and folding mechanisms

10.   Foliations and cleavage

11.   Lineations and Boudinage

12.   Shear zones and mylonites

13.  Regional associations of extensional, compressional and strike-slip structures

Part 2 – Tectonics

1.      Historical perspective

2.      The interior of the earth

3.      Continental Drift

4.      Sea-floor spreading and transform faults

5.      Plate tectonics theory

6.      Tectonic settings and structures

7.      Diapirism

8.      Regional structural geology

Part 3 – Structural geology techniques

1.     Stereographic projections

2.     Introduction to balanced cross sections and restoration

3.     Software used in structural geology

Readings/Bibliography

The program of the course can be found in these textbooks: Fossen H. 2010. Structural Geology, Cambridge University Press.
Kearey P,  Klepeis K.A.,  Vine F.J., 2008. Global tectonics. Blackwell.

Teaching methods

Class lectures and practical exercises in the field.
Learning E-modules: http://folk.uib.no/nglhe/StructuralGeoBookEmodules.html

Assessment methods

Two intermediate written exams and one final oral exam. First written exam (33% of the grade). Second written exam (33% of the grade). Final oral examination (34% of the grade).

Teaching tools

Field exits. Practical exercises with stereonets.

Links to further information

http://folk.uib.no/nglhe/StructuralGeoBookEmodules.html

Office hours

See the website of Marco Antonellini

See the website of Luigi Selli