Syllabus

We will start with an introduction to some philosophical aspects of structural geology (and science in general), and then introduce structural mapping at various scales in order to demonstrate the best ways to describe the geometry, physical properties, and age relationships of structures. This will be followed with a quantitative introduction to physical quantities, dimensions and scaling; deformation and flow; force, traction, and stress; and rheology. These topics will be applied in the description and analysis of discontinuities in rock masses such as landslides, faults, and intrusive bodies. The analyses will include computer investigations of the stress and displacement fields around and along such discontinuties. Finally, student presentations will use these tools in topics of their choice.

I think this course should be of particular interest to students in tectonics, geophysics, volcanology, planetary geology, earth materials, and environmental geology, but of course all are invited to join us.