0 or 3 credits
Spring 2025 Laboratory Lecture Upper Division
This course deals with the nature and evolution of structures in rock deformed naturally by flow and fracture, as deduced from experimental, theoretical and field studies. Specific topics include: structures in three dimensions using descriptive geometry and stereonets, field measurements of rock geometry, tensors, strain and stress, the theory of brittle and plastic rock behavior, theory and field observation of folds and faults, structural analysis of an outcrop, the structure and mechanics of mountain belts. Students will be expected to show competency with using a general set skills, techniques, and tools commonly used by professional geoscientists.
Learning Outcomes1Interpret geologic structures in three dimensions using descriptive geometry, stereonets, and field measurements of rock geometry.
2Evaluate quantitatively observations of the deformation in the crust using basic stress and strain theory, the theory of brittle and plastic rock behavior, theory and field observation of folds and faults, structural analysis of an outcrop.
3Recognize the structures and give a mechanical explaination for the development of mountain belts.
4Apply these skills in the field.
Prerequisites
made by Purdue students.