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Please note: the information in the course manual is binding.
By the end of the course, the student will have acquired:
- a basic understanding of the processes involved in the development of crustal deformation structures, at the macro-, meso- and microscales;
- quantitative insight into the determination of deformation and strain, deformation history and paleostress state from the study of deformed rocks;
- the ability to recognise “structural styles” (associations of structures characteristic of specific tectonic settings) and an understanding of their development;
- insight into which features and processes are important to consider in analyzing deformed terrains and in constructing tectonic models.
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This course focuses on the nature, origin and interpretation of deformation structures preserved in the Earth’s crust, on scales ranging from that of basins, orogens and nappes, to those of folds, fault zones, foliations and microfabrics. Aspects covered include structural geometry and kinematics, rock deformation mechanisms, tectonic setting and geodynamic significance.
- Tools for quantification: strain measurement techniques, tensors and Mohr circles, strain in folds and shear zones.
- Structures in the upper crust: fault patterns, structural styles.
- Deformation behaviour of rocks: Elastic/brittle field, ductile field.
- The anatomy of orogenic belts: from upper to lower crust, role of ductile deformation.
Development of Transferable skills:
- Ability to work in a team: all practical assignments are carried out in a team of two, both members having the same responsibility w.r.t. the final product
- Written communication skills: results of the practical assignments have to be presented in the form of a written report (6x) or poster presentation (2x)
- Problem-solving skills: most of the practical assignments do not have a straightforward recipe to come to the final product, but require good analysis of how to solve the questions at hand
- Initiative: In working on the practical assignments, the students cannot wait until supervision arrives, they have to take initiatives themselves
- Analytical/quantitative skills: application of the knowledge obtained during lectures and self study to solve problems and answer research-like questions
- Technical skills: optical microscopy
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