The structural geology component of the course introduces the basic concepts of brittle and ductile deformation processes and how they control the strength, mechanical behaviour and development of structures in the Earth's continental crust. The course provides a basic understanding of the forces driving deformation, and the displacements and strains associated with simple crustal deformations. Emphasis is placed on (1) illustrating how deformation processes change under the influence of changing pressures and temperatures with increasing depth in the lithosphere, and (2) examining the basic types of structures produced by single episodes of brittle and ductile deformation of the continental crust, and how their styles and geometries vary as a function of depth in the continental crust.
The field geology component of the course is a practical, field-based program which introduces the fundamentals of geologic mapping techniques in undeformed to simply folded and faulted and relatively unmetamorphosed sedimentary and igneous terrains. The week will comprise three assessable assignments: measuring stratigraphic columns, mapping igneous contacts, and introduction to mapping deformed sediments.
Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates (EMSC2012) but will be assessed separately.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- Recognise structures produced by simple crustal deformation.
- Map and quantitatively describe the geometry of structures in simply folded and faulted regions.
- Produce geological maps and cross-sections, and predict structures at depth and in areas of poor outcrop in simply folded and faulted regions.
- Interpret the geometry of simple structures (folds, faults, fractures, veins and shear zones) in terms of the stress regimes that produced them, and the displacements and strains associated with their development.
- Explain how the types of deformation processes and the styles and geometries of structures produced during continental deformation are influenced by the intensity of deformation, and by the depth and temperature of their formation in the Earth's crust.
Other Information
There will be a 7 day field trip to the Wee Jasper area in the first week of the mid semester break.
Students are
required to pay a contribution towards the cost of the field trip; in
2015 it was $330. Payment may be made online at ScienceShop: http://scienceshop.anu.edu.au/
Indicative Assessment
The structural geology and field geology components of the course are assessed separately, with equal weighting. Assessment will be based on:
- 2-hour structural geology theory exam, to be held at a negotiated time after the mid-semester break (30%; LO 1, 4, 5)
- Structural geology laboratory and fieldwork assignments: three laboratory assignments, one half-day field assignment and one full day field assignment (20%; LO 1, 4, 5)
- Presentation of maps and cross-sections produced during field mapping during Field Geology component (50%; LO 1, 2, 3)
Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates (EMSC2012) but will be given additional assessment which will be agreed upon in the first week of semester.
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Workload
Two hours of lectures and three hours of practicals weekly for seven weeks starting at the beginning of semester. A seven day field mapping exercise will be undertaken during the mid-semester break.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Core: McClay, K.R. (1987) The Mapping of Geological Structures, Open University Press.
Recommended: Barnes, J. (1991) Basic Geological Mapping. The Geological Field Guide.
Assumed Knowledge
Prior completion of an introductory level Earth Science course would be an advantage.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3480 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $4638 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2965 | 15 Feb 2016 | 26 Feb 2016 | 31 Mar 2016 | 27 May 2016 | In Person | N/A |
