Course content

The course introduces the description, classification, and interpretation of geological structures such as faults, folds, foliations, lineations and shear zones and the relationships between such structures and tectonically imposed stress. Geological maps and cross-sections: how they are constructed and how they can be used to interpret large-scale geological structures. Field course to acquire fundamental skills necessary to map, record and analyze geological structures in the field.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: Students will learn about stress, strain and the deformation of rocks. They will learn how geological structures such as faults, shear zones, folds, foliations and lineations form in the Earth´s crust and how they are classified, measured and analysed. They will also learn about how structural geology is applied in society.

Skills: Students will be able to interpret geological maps and profiles and use stereographic projection to solve structural geologic problems. Students will be able to use tools such as compass, stereonet and GPS as well as relevant digital tools to collect and interpret data.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, exercises and field course. The exercises will include analysis and interpretation of geological maps and structural data. In the field course, the students will learn fundamental techniques in geological mapping and the recording of different types of structural data.

Compulsory assignments

• Field course
• Exercises

Required previous knowledge

TGB4100 Geology, Introduction, or equivalent.

Course materials

Course notes provided by lecturers and published on Blackboard. McClay: Mapping of geological structures. Bunkholt Sæter: Kompendium. Some online material, e.g. maps from the Geological Survey of Norway (NGU)

Credit reductions