Geology 3120 Geology 3120 -- Introduction to Structural GeologyIntroduction to Structural Geology

Impacts of Structural Geology Impacts of Structural Geology on societyon society……

• Energy resources

• Mineral and metal extraction

• Earthquake hazards

Boulder Boulder StratigraphyStratigraphy(templates matter!)(templates matter!)

StratigraphicStratigraphic Templates: Sediments form a great “template” for Templates: Sediments form a great “template” for unraveling structural problems, most structural geology is done unraveling structural problems, most structural geology is done in in sedimentary basins. A sedimentary basins. A stratigraphicstratigraphic successionsuccession allows allows reconstruction of structures, both by the age of the sequence reconstruction of structures, both by the age of the sequence (superposition) and simple (superposition) and simple stratigraphicstratigraphic principles such as original principles such as original continuity and horizontality.continuity and horizontality.

“Layer cake” “Layer cake” cratoniccratonic strata that extend laterally great distances strata that extend laterally great distances are very useful in reconstruction structures because the “templaare very useful in reconstruction structures because the “template” te” does not change.does not change.

“Growth strata” are those deposited around active structures. “Growth strata” are those deposited around active structures. These are very powerful recorders of structural style and rates These are very powerful recorders of structural style and rates of of deformation. Remember erosion equals a loss in the geologic deformation. Remember erosion equals a loss in the geologic record.record.

Preexisting strata allow reconstruction of complex structuresPreexisting strata allow reconstruction of complex structures

Growth strata define timing of structuresGrowth strata define timing of structures

EarthquakesEarthquakes--> Structures> Structures--> Plate Motions> Plate Motions