GEOL40530 Applied Structural Geology

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module will provide the background required to constrain the structural geological aspects of subsurface geomodels. Starting from an introduction to the most important structures, the module will consider how these structures form, the conditions under which they form and the controls on their deformation style and geometrical properties. The module will consider how the subsurface can be structurally characterised from different data sources and over a range of scales. Methods for constraining subsurface 3D structure and constructing and testing geometrically realistic and geologically plausible structural models of the subsurface will be reviewed.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Following this module students will:-
Have an understanding of the controls on the types of structures that form under different conditions and their geometrical and scaling properties.
Understand the principals behind creating a structurally valid model of the subsurface based on commonly available data types.
Have a knowledge of methods for testing the validity of structural models.

Indicative Module Content:

Lectures
1. Stress and rock failure
2. Fractures and their interpretation
3. Fault geometry and displacement distribution; normal faults
4. Fault geometry and displacement distribution; thrusts and strike-slip faults
5. Fault rocks and fault zones
6. Shear zones and ductile deformation
7. Fold geometry and folding mechanisms
8. The scaling of geological structures
9. Controls of pre-existing structure and fault reactivation
10. Structural associations and timing of structures

Practicals
1. Orientation analysis using stereonets
2. Structural mapping from boreholes
3. Structural evolution from seismic data/displacement mapping
4. Fault Seal Analysis
5. Structural validation and restoration


Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

10
Practical

15
Autonomous Student Learning

25
Total

50
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Class-based learning
Task-based learning 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Assessment of responses to task/questions posed in practical classes. Responses to be recorded as discursive text, annotations, diagrams, etc. in practical notebook. Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

50
Examination: Essay-style responses to three questions about theoretical topics covered on the course. Unspecified No Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

50

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided on a weekly basis

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 

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