Text:

Earth Structure: an introduction to structural geology and tectonics.
By B. A. Van Der Pluijm & S. Marshak 2nd ed. W.W. Norton & Company, Pub. 656 p. 2004.

Course Description:

Deformation of rocks and the resulting structures, including stress and strain, faults, folds, and rock fabrics. Two lectures, one three-hour laboratory. One required field trip. Prerequisite: GLY 301. (3 credit hours)

Grading:

1st Hour Exam:	15%
2nd Hour Exam:	15%
Final (cumulative):	25%
Lab:	35%
Homework and quizzes	10%
Total:	100%

Attendance Policy:

You are expected to attend lecture and lab. While I am not going to take attendance, you are responsible for the material we cover during lectures and labs, and there may be pop quizzes and in class assignments that will contribute to your grade. Only "valid absences" will excuse you from these quizzes or assignments. "Valid absences" are those due to approved College activities (see "Matriculation Guidelines" regarding this policy) or due to illness (a note from the Health Center is required). If you miss an exam or lab, you will be given a chance to make them up only if your absence was a "valid absence". It is always best to talk to me about a valid absence before it occurs, when possible, so that we can work out a make up time.

The Field Trip is mandatory. Your grade will drop one full grade if you do not go on it.

 Scholar's Day Assignment:

One written paragraph about one talk that you attended on "Transformations". If you are giving a presentation, you only need to turn in your abstract for your presentation.

Late Policy:

All lab assignments are due at 1:15 PM Tuesdays, unless stated otherwise on the syllabus. Assignments turned in late will be docked 10% of the full value every 24 hours (or part there of) that they are late. Assignments a week late will receive a zero. For example, if the homework assignment is due at 4:00 PM, and one turns it in at 4:05 PM, one will automatically get 10% off. Plan accordingly. Later due dates may be negotiated only in advance of the original due date. 

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Construct a visual model of the distribution of rock units underground (i.e., visualize in 3-D).

Interpret unfamiliar geologic maps and construct cross-sections.

Solve 3-dimensional geometric problems related to the earth (i.e., the 3 pt. problem, apparent dip, apparent thickness, etc).

Analyze and interpret structural data.

Observe, describe, and document deformation (i.e., strain) of earth materials and the resulting structures.

Interpret a deformation history from geologic structures (strain).

Analyze state of stress and predict stability of a plane of weakness (Mohr circle stress).

Understand how earth materials deform.

Connect the Theory of Plate Tectonics to structures observed on continents.

 

Course Schedule and Activities: Download the course syllabus.

Useful webpages:

Clay models of various geologic maps

Stereonet tourorial

NE GSA info and registration

 

If you are a student with a disability and wish to request accommodations, please contact the Office of Student Disability Services located in B-1 Van Hoesen Hall or call (607) 753-2066 for an appointment. Information regarding your disability will be treated in a confidential manner. Because many accommodations require early planning, requests for accommodations should be made as early as possible.