National Institute of Technology Rourkela

राष्ट्रीय प्रौद्योगिकी संस्थान राउरकेला

ଜାତୀୟ ପ୍ରଯୁକ୍ତି ପ୍ରତିଷ୍ଠାନ ରାଉରକେଲା

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Syllabus

Course Details

Subject {L-T-P / C} : ER5301 : Structural Geology { 3-0-0 / 3}

Subject Nature : Theory

Coordinator : Bhaskar Kundu

Syllabus

Module 1 :

Module 1: Concepts of Stress, Strain and Rheology Mechanical properties of rocks Stress, Deformation and Strain Mohr’s circle Concept of dynamic and kinematic analyses of rocks in two dimensions Rheology – Brittle and Ductile Deformation (spring-dashpot models)

Module 2: Brittle Structures Brittle Deformation Joints – Classification, Joint related structures Faults - Classification and Mechanism of faulting, Dynamics of faulting, strain significance of fault.

Module 3: Ductile Structures - Petrofabric Analysis Folding – Geometry and Classification, Mechanism of folding, Superimposed folding and interference pattern Foliations and Lineations – Morphology and types of foliations and lineation Shear zones – Classification and geometry of different types of shear zones, Strain variation in shear zones, shear zone rocks and shear sense indicators D-P-T-t Paths.

Module 4: Introduction to Tectonics - Overview of whole earth structure and Tenets of Plate Tectonics Basic Plate Kinematics and driving forces, Supercontinent Cycle Convergent, Divergent and Strike-slip tectonics Unconformity – Types, Recognition criteria, Importance in Tectono-stratigraphic correlation.

Module 5: Global Perspective - Crustal deformation and Micro-deformations GPS and active tectonics Earthquake and volcano deformations Global tectonics and recent advancement.

Course Objective

1 .

Understanding Rock and Crustal Deformation – Learn the fundamentals of rock deformation, structural evolution, and the effects of stress, temperature, and pressure on the crust and lithosphere.

2 .

Analyzing Stress and Strain in Rocks – Study mechanical properties of rocks, Mohr’s Circle, Stress and Strain Ellipsoids, and the concepts of dynamic and kinematic analyses.

3 .

Exploring Structural Features and Deformation Mechanisms – Examine folding, faulting, foliations, lineations, joints, shear zones, and their significance in tectonic processes.

4 .

Advanced Techniques in Structural Geology – Understand petrofabric analysis, rheology (ductile and brittle deformation), micro-deformations, and shear sense indicators.
Application of Modern Tectonic Studies – Investigate geodetic applications in active tectonics, earthquake and volcanic deformations, global tectonic processes, and recent advancements in structural geology.

Course Outcome

1 .

1. To understand the fundamental science behind natural structures and their development
2. To understand how strain is accommodated in the brittle part of the crust
3. To understand how strain is accommodated in the ductile part of the crust
4. To fundamentals of Plate Tectonics and plate boundaries.
5. To acquire knowledge of the present tectonic setup of the world and natural hazards related to it, as well as modern techniques to measure deformation at various scales.

Essential Reading

1 .

Haakon Fossen, Structural Geology, Cambridge University Press , 1st edition, 2010

2 .

Van Der Pluijm, B.A. and Marshak, S., Earth Structure: An Introduction to Structural Geology and Tectonics, W. W. Norton & Company , 2nd edition, 2004

Supplementary Reading

1 .

J.G. Ramsay, M.I. Huber, Techniques of Modern Structural Geology, Vol. I, Strain Analysis, Academic Press , 1983

2 .

J.G. Ramsay, M.I. Huber, Techniques of Modern Structural Geology, Vol. II, Folds and Fractures, Academic Press , 1987

Journal and Conferences

1 .

Bucher, W. H. (1939). Deformation of the Earth’s Crust. Bulletin of the Geological Society of America, 50(3), 421-432.

2 .

Paterson, M. S., & Weiss, L. E. (1961). Symmetry concepts in the structural analysis of deformed rocks. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 72(6), 841-882.