GEOLOGY 204 Earth Structure

This course introduces two approaches to interpreting earth structure: 1) Classical structural geology, in which you will learn how to describe and interpret the geometry of deformed rocks, from simple folds and faults to more complex examples; 2) Geophysics, which covers an introduction to methods of applied geophysics for geological exploration, and the geophysics of plate boundaries and the lithosphere. This course is a fundamental component of learning for all field geologists and is required for progression into Tectonics and Geophysics at Stage III.

A student who successfully completes this course will:

• Recognise structures in deformed rock.
• Be able to describe the geometry of structures in deformed rock.
• Be able to map simply deformed rock.
• Be able to analyse simple structural problems using a lower hemisphere equal area stereonet.
• Be able to infer the origin of simple structures in deformed rock by applying concepts of stress and strain.
• Appreciate the importance of rheology to the style of structures formed in deformed rock.
• Be able to explain the principles of the main geophysical exploration methods
• Appreciate the type of investigation to which each geophysical technique can be applied
• Be able to make simple descriptions and interpretations of geophysical data
• Be able to describe the main principles of seismology
• Be able to discuss the nature and causes of seismicity, especially in New Zealand
• Be able to discuss the geophysical evidence for the structure of the lithosphere and plate tectonics

Dr Julie Rowland - ext. 87412; j.rowland@auckland.ac.nz; room 301-1066
Assoc. Prof. Corinne Locke
Dr John Cassidy

This course contains structural geology and geophysics. It covers methods of structural geology, analysing sequences of deformation, stress, strain, folds, faults and fractures, structure of metamorphic rocks. The geophysics portion covers an introduction to methods of applied geophysics for geological exploration, geophysics of plate boundaries and lithosphere including earthquake seismology, heat flow and deep seismic profiling.

• Looking into the Earth: An introduction to geological geophysics. A. E. Mussett and M.A. Khan. Cambridge University Press, 2000. Library reference number: 550 M98.
• An introduction to geophysical exploration (3rd edition). P. Kearey, M.Brooks and I. Hill. Blackwell, 2002. Library reference number: 622.15 K24 - available on Short Loan.
• See course pack for textbook information related to Structural Geology.