STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY I. STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY - study of deformation of geologic materials A. Geologic materials - rocks, fossils, minerals, ice, and unconsolidated sediments B. Deformation - change in shape and/or volume of geologic material 1. Three types a. Fracturing - b. Flow - c. Buckling - 2. Occurs on all scales II. TWO SUBDISCIPLINES OF STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY: A. Field studies (field geology) - relating geology to evolution of the earth B. Rock mechanics - how structures were produced, processes, etc... 1. Theoretical studies 2. Experimental studies (in lab) a. Two types * Rock deformation machine Problems include: - Rocks often stronger than machine - small test samples - Time - natural processes much slower * Analogue materials - clays, waxes, and other materials which are deformed so that they mimic structures seen in the field Problems include - Must use caution with these types of studies because, although they make similar looking structures, the processes involved are very different * Variables involved - Pressure - Temperature - Viscosities - these can change with temperature and/or stress - Artificial boundary conditions - these types of boundaries are not seen in nature - Time - can not be imitated in lab