Structural Geology

Structural Geology aims to characterize deformation structures (geometry), to characterize flow paths followed
by particles during deformation (kinematics), and to infer the direction and magnitude of the forces involved in
driving deformation (dynamics). A field-based discipline, structural geology operates at scales ranging from 100
microns to 100 meters (i.e. grain to outcrop) The methods of structural geology are nearly as diverse as those of
the geologic sciences as a whole. Small-scale structural features may be studied using the same general techniques
that are employed in petrology, in which sections of rock mounted on glass slides are ground very thin and are
then examined with polarizing microscopes. On a larger scale, the techniques of field geology are used. These
include plotting the orientation of such structural features as faults, joints, cleavage, and small folds. In most
cases, the objective is to interpret the structure beneath the surface by using information available at the surface.
Where mountains, continents, ocean basins, and other large-scale features are involved, the methods employed
are chiefly those of geophysics and include the use of seismological, magnetic, and gravitational techniques.
Furthermore, since the processes that cause rocks to deform can rarely be observed directly, it is necessary to
study them by means of computer models in which they are represented mathematically. Structural features were
recorded relative to core section depths in centimeters from the top of the core section. Depth was defined as the
point where the structure intersects the center of the cut face of the working half of the core Apparent fault
displacements were recorded as they appeared on the cut face of the archive half of the core and the end of broken
pieces. Displacements seen on the core face were treated as components of dip-slip movement, either normal or
reverse. Strike-slip displacements of vertical features were termed either sinistral or dextral. Structural geology is
concerned with the geometry and distribution of rocks in the subsurface and is therefore absolutely crucial for
any applied aspect of geology and geosciences. The field of structural geology includes analyzing how rocks
deform, flow and are transported due to tectonics and other forces. Therefore several types of quantitative analyses
are important to help to understand the strain and tectonic history of rocks and interpret their tectonic setting. This
module provides an introductory level grounding in structural geology, deformation, rheology and tectonics at a
university level. It covers geological structures and tectonics at a variety of scales and uses map interpretation
and practical experiments as the main practical component. Topics include identifying and understanding
geological structures, the basis and origins of plate tectonics theory, geological map interpretation, identifying
various structures from maps, plotting structural data stereographically, stress and strain analysis and deformation
processes and rheology. The module is delivered through a combination of lecture, practical and hands-on lab
classes where analogue geological processes are tested and the relevant concepts explored. Structural Geology is
a vital part of GeoConsulting’s geoscience offering. Based at Robertson and NPA Satellite Mapping, our
capabilities extend to remote sensing and potential fields analysis, and plate tectonic modelling. All scales are
covered, from thin section/SEM analysis of tiny microfractures through to global plate tectonic rebuilds. Our
structural geologists can boast vast experience in the field, having worked in some of the most challenging and
remote regions of the world. We also have extensive office-based expertise in integrated basin studies, and in the
analysis/QC of input data for static modelling/seismic structural interpretations, using cutting-edge software.
 Rock mechanics

Rock mechanics determines how a particular rock reacts when it is put to the use required by mankind for
buildings, roads, bridges, dams, tunnels, and other civil engineering uses. It will assess the bearing capacity of
the rock on the surface and how the force applied on the rock by the structures being built on it will affect the
rock at various depths. Rock mechanics will determine the shear strength of the rock, which in turn will allow
the rock to resist the forces applied to it. Rock mechanics can also determine the response of rock when it is
subjected to dynamic loading that may be a result of manmade applications or natural occurrences like
earthquakes. The failure mechanism of rocks will allow engineers to counteract these so that the structures built
on the rock are safe. Rock mechanics will also study the effect that defects in the rock from cavities, fissures,
joints and bedding planes can have on structures founded on them. While laboratory testing for rocks does give
extensive data for engineers to determine bearing capacities, shear strengths, permeability, and other concerns
for designers, it is being acknowledged that rock mechanics benefits most from in situ testing of the rock and
observation of geological conditions that can affect the way a rock behaves when subjected to loads and
stresses. Engineers are then able to decide whether the stability of rocks and rock slopes could affect the
structures that they build. Cavities present in the rock, besides making the rock vulnerable to fracture, can also
act as reservoirs for water and other solutions that can affect civil engineering structures. This becomes
especially critical in the case of dams and tunnels where these cavities can affect the stability of the structure,
and in case of tunnels, can affect traffic going through them. Rock mechanics along with geological studies can
decide on whether rock slides or rock falls could take place and the measures that would be needed to prevent
them. Rock mechanics is a theoretical and applied science of the mechanical behavior of rock and rock masses;
it is that branch of mechanics concerned with the response of rock and rock masses to the force fields of their
physical environment. Rock mechanics is concerned with the application of the principles of engineering
mechanics to the design of structures built in or of rock. The structure could include-but not limited to- a drill
hole, a mining shaft, a tunnel, a reservoir dam, a repository component, or a building. Rock mechanics is used
in many engineering disciplines, but primarily used in Mining, Civil, Geotechnical, Transportation, and
Petroleum Engineering. At present, deep earth resources remain poorly understood and entirely under-utilised.
There is a growing appreciation of the important role deep earth will play in future sustainability, particularly in
opportunities for new and sustainable large-scale energy alternatives, and extraction of resources through
mining and greenhouse mitigation. Deep Rock Mechanics: From Research to Engineering is a collection of
papers on the effective development of deep earth resources, which were presented at the International
Conference on Geo-mechanics, Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources 2018 (Chengdu, P.R. China, 22-24 September
2018). The contributions aim at breaking beyond existing patterns of discovery, to advance research on
geomechanical and geophysical processes in deep earth resources and energy development, enhancing deep
earth energy and mineral extraction and mitigating harmful atmospheric emissions.