Upon completion of the course, the student will have acquired advanced skills in the analysis and interpretation of primary and secondary (brittle and ductile) geological structures, both in the laboratory and in the field. In particular, they will be able to: 1) recognize and interpret the main geological structures at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales; 2) Understand the main deformation mechanisms and the role of physical and mechanical properties in controlling the rock response to deformation; 3) perform geometric, kinematic, and dynamic analyses of brittle and ductile deformation structures; 4) integrate field observations and laboratory data to reconstruct the deformational evolution of rocks; and 5) interpret geological structures within their regional tectonic and geodynamic context.
Curriculum
teacher profile teaching materials
-Deformation and strain
Coaxial and non-coaxial deformation; finite and incremental deformation; homogeneous and heterogeneous strain; the strain ellipsoid; strain states and quantification of finite strain.
-Rheology
Brittle and ductile deformation; deformation mechanisms; constitutive laws and stress–strain relationships; Newtonian and non-Newtonian behaviour; creep; recovery and static and dynamic recrystallisation; deformation-mechanism maps. Rheology and rheological profiles of the continental and oceanic lithosphere.
-Stress
The stress tensor, principal stress axes, stress stes, and Mohr circles.
-Brittle deformation
Mohr–Coulomb and Griffith failure criteria; Andersonian faulting, fault classification, and dynamic analysis through stress-field inversion. Tectonic reactivation: Byerlee’s law and its applications; joints and veins.
Structure of fault zones: fault core, damage zone, and classification of fault rocks. Fault growth and spatial organisation; lateral propagation, overlap, and linkage; kinematic indicators and Riedel shears.
Faults and earthquakes: structural-geology methods and the study of active and exhumed seismogenic faults, including fault rocks and pseudotachylytes.
Fluid–rock interaction and structural controls on hydrothermal mineralisation.
-Ductile deformation
Planar–linear structures; foliations and lineations; S-, L-, and S–L tectonites and their tectonic significance. Single-phase and polyphase folds: description, classification, associated structures, interference patterns, and overprinting criteria.
Relationships between deformation and metamorphism at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales; ductile shear zones and their geological significance; mylonites and kinematic criteria.
-Regional tectonics
Extensional tectonics: geometries of rift systems; pure-shear and simple-shear models; the role of lithospheric rheology; the rifting-to-drifting transition; relationships among deformation, sedimentation, and erosion.
Compressional tectonics: the subduction factory and orogenesis; dynamics of orogenic systems; subduction-related, subduction–collision, and accretionary orogens; pressure–temperature regimes; the orogenic wedge; fold-and-thrust belts and regional examples.
Strike-slip tectonics: structural associations; strike-slip and transform faults; intraplate strike-slip tectonics and regional examples.
Applications and learning activities
Applications of structural geology to ore deposit geology and geotechnical engineering. Laboratory and field exercises devoted to the analysis and interpretation of brittle and ductile deformation data and fabrics at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales.
At the end of the course, an interdisciplinary field course is held to consolidate the fundamental concepts and examine deformation styles in different regional tectonic settings.
2) H. FOSSEN, “STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY", CAMBRIDEGE UNIV. PRESS (2ND ED.), 2016
3) B. A. VAN DER PLUIJM, S. MARSHAK. W.W, "EARTH STRUCTURE" (2ND ED.), NORTON, 2004.
4) C. W. PASSCHIER, R. A. J. TROUW, "MICROTECTONICS” (2ND ED.), SPRINGER, 2006 (2010).
Programme
The course develops the conceptual and practical tools required to analyse and interpret rock deformation and geological structures from the microscale to the regional scale.-Deformation and strain
Coaxial and non-coaxial deformation; finite and incremental deformation; homogeneous and heterogeneous strain; the strain ellipsoid; strain states and quantification of finite strain.
-Rheology
Brittle and ductile deformation; deformation mechanisms; constitutive laws and stress–strain relationships; Newtonian and non-Newtonian behaviour; creep; recovery and static and dynamic recrystallisation; deformation-mechanism maps. Rheology and rheological profiles of the continental and oceanic lithosphere.
-Stress
The stress tensor, principal stress axes, stress stes, and Mohr circles.
-Brittle deformation
Mohr–Coulomb and Griffith failure criteria; Andersonian faulting, fault classification, and dynamic analysis through stress-field inversion. Tectonic reactivation: Byerlee’s law and its applications; joints and veins.
Structure of fault zones: fault core, damage zone, and classification of fault rocks. Fault growth and spatial organisation; lateral propagation, overlap, and linkage; kinematic indicators and Riedel shears.
Faults and earthquakes: structural-geology methods and the study of active and exhumed seismogenic faults, including fault rocks and pseudotachylytes.
Fluid–rock interaction and structural controls on hydrothermal mineralisation.
-Ductile deformation
Planar–linear structures; foliations and lineations; S-, L-, and S–L tectonites and their tectonic significance. Single-phase and polyphase folds: description, classification, associated structures, interference patterns, and overprinting criteria.
Relationships between deformation and metamorphism at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales; ductile shear zones and their geological significance; mylonites and kinematic criteria.
-Regional tectonics
Extensional tectonics: geometries of rift systems; pure-shear and simple-shear models; the role of lithospheric rheology; the rifting-to-drifting transition; relationships among deformation, sedimentation, and erosion.
Compressional tectonics: the subduction factory and orogenesis; dynamics of orogenic systems; subduction-related, subduction–collision, and accretionary orogens; pressure–temperature regimes; the orogenic wedge; fold-and-thrust belts and regional examples.
Strike-slip tectonics: structural associations; strike-slip and transform faults; intraplate strike-slip tectonics and regional examples.
Applications and learning activities
Applications of structural geology to ore deposit geology and geotechnical engineering. Laboratory and field exercises devoted to the analysis and interpretation of brittle and ductile deformation data and fabrics at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales.
At the end of the course, an interdisciplinary field course is held to consolidate the fundamental concepts and examine deformation styles in different regional tectonic settings.
Core Documentation
1) G. DAVIS, S. REYNOLDS, "STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY OF ROCKS AND REGIONS", WILEY, 1996.2) H. FOSSEN, “STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY", CAMBRIDEGE UNIV. PRESS (2ND ED.), 2016
3) B. A. VAN DER PLUIJM, S. MARSHAK. W.W, "EARTH STRUCTURE" (2ND ED.), NORTON, 2004.
4) C. W. PASSCHIER, R. A. J. TROUW, "MICROTECTONICS” (2ND ED.), SPRINGER, 2006 (2010).
Attendance
Attendance is strongly recommended for laboratory sessions and field activities.Type of evaluation
The assessment comprises an oral examination covering the entire course syllabus and a critical discussion of the fieldwork. Oral examination — 70% The oral examination assesses knowledge of the course content; the ability to apply geometric, kinematic, and dynamic methods to the analysis of geological structures; the ability to interpret structural data within their regional tectonic context; and the appropriate use of subject-specific terminology. Students are required to describe, compare, apply, and justify interpretations, rather than merely recall factual information. Discussion of fieldwork — 30% The discussion assesses the ability to organise and integrate field observations, geological-structural data, and theoretical models; to recognise limitations and uncertainties; and to present well-supported conclusions using appropriate graphical materials. Assessment criteria and final grade The assessment considers the accuracy and completeness of knowledge, the appropriateness of the methods applied, the consistency of interpretations, independent judgement, and clarity of presentation. The final grade is calculated as the weighted sum of the two components indicated above. teacher profile teaching materials
-Deformation and strain
Coaxial and non-coaxial deformation; finite and incremental deformation; homogeneous and heterogeneous strain; the strain ellipsoid; strain states and quantification of finite strain.
-Rheology
Brittle and ductile deformation; deformation mechanisms; constitutive laws and stress–strain relationships; Newtonian and non-Newtonian behaviour; creep; recovery and static and dynamic recrystallisation; deformation-mechanism maps. Rheology and rheological profiles of the continental and oceanic lithosphere.
-Stress
The stress tensor, principal stress axes, stress stes, and Mohr circles.
-Brittle deformation
Mohr–Coulomb and Griffith failure criteria; Andersonian faulting, fault classification, and dynamic analysis through stress-field inversion. Tectonic reactivation: Byerlee’s law and its applications; joints and veins.
Structure of fault zones: fault core, damage zone, and classification of fault rocks. Fault growth and spatial organisation; lateral propagation, overlap, and linkage; kinematic indicators and Riedel shears.
Faults and earthquakes: structural-geology methods and the study of active and exhumed seismogenic faults, including fault rocks and pseudotachylytes.
Fluid–rock interaction and structural controls on hydrothermal mineralisation.
-Ductile deformation
Planar–linear structures; foliations and lineations; S-, L-, and S–L tectonites and their tectonic significance. Single-phase and polyphase folds: description, classification, associated structures, interference patterns, and overprinting criteria.
Relationships between deformation and metamorphism at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales; ductile shear zones and their geological significance; mylonites and kinematic criteria.
-Regional tectonics
Extensional tectonics: geometries of rift systems; pure-shear and simple-shear models; the role of lithospheric rheology; the rifting-to-drifting transition; relationships among deformation, sedimentation, and erosion.
Compressional tectonics: the subduction factory and orogenesis; dynamics of orogenic systems; subduction-related, subduction–collision, and accretionary orogens; pressure–temperature regimes; the orogenic wedge; fold-and-thrust belts and regional examples.
Strike-slip tectonics: structural associations; strike-slip and transform faults; intraplate strike-slip tectonics and regional examples.
Applications and learning activities
Applications of structural geology to ore deposit geology and geotechnical engineering. Laboratory and field exercises devoted to the analysis and interpretation of brittle and ductile deformation data and fabrics at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales.
At the end of the course, an interdisciplinary field course is held to consolidate the fundamental concepts and examine deformation styles in different regional tectonic settings.
2) H. FOSSEN, “STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY", CAMBRIDEGE UNIV. PRESS (2ND ED.), 2016
3) B. A. VAN DER PLUIJM, S. MARSHAK. W.W, "EARTH STRUCTURE" (2ND ED.), NORTON, 2004.
4) C. W. PASSCHIER, R. A. J. TROUW, "MICROTECTONICS” (2ND ED.), SPRINGER, 2006 (2010).
Programme
The course develops the conceptual and practical tools required to analyse and interpret rock deformation and geological structures from the microscale to the regional scale.-Deformation and strain
Coaxial and non-coaxial deformation; finite and incremental deformation; homogeneous and heterogeneous strain; the strain ellipsoid; strain states and quantification of finite strain.
-Rheology
Brittle and ductile deformation; deformation mechanisms; constitutive laws and stress–strain relationships; Newtonian and non-Newtonian behaviour; creep; recovery and static and dynamic recrystallisation; deformation-mechanism maps. Rheology and rheological profiles of the continental and oceanic lithosphere.
-Stress
The stress tensor, principal stress axes, stress stes, and Mohr circles.
-Brittle deformation
Mohr–Coulomb and Griffith failure criteria; Andersonian faulting, fault classification, and dynamic analysis through stress-field inversion. Tectonic reactivation: Byerlee’s law and its applications; joints and veins.
Structure of fault zones: fault core, damage zone, and classification of fault rocks. Fault growth and spatial organisation; lateral propagation, overlap, and linkage; kinematic indicators and Riedel shears.
Faults and earthquakes: structural-geology methods and the study of active and exhumed seismogenic faults, including fault rocks and pseudotachylytes.
Fluid–rock interaction and structural controls on hydrothermal mineralisation.
-Ductile deformation
Planar–linear structures; foliations and lineations; S-, L-, and S–L tectonites and their tectonic significance. Single-phase and polyphase folds: description, classification, associated structures, interference patterns, and overprinting criteria.
Relationships between deformation and metamorphism at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales; ductile shear zones and their geological significance; mylonites and kinematic criteria.
-Regional tectonics
Extensional tectonics: geometries of rift systems; pure-shear and simple-shear models; the role of lithospheric rheology; the rifting-to-drifting transition; relationships among deformation, sedimentation, and erosion.
Compressional tectonics: the subduction factory and orogenesis; dynamics of orogenic systems; subduction-related, subduction–collision, and accretionary orogens; pressure–temperature regimes; the orogenic wedge; fold-and-thrust belts and regional examples.
Strike-slip tectonics: structural associations; strike-slip and transform faults; intraplate strike-slip tectonics and regional examples.
Applications and learning activities
Applications of structural geology to ore deposit geology and geotechnical engineering. Laboratory and field exercises devoted to the analysis and interpretation of brittle and ductile deformation data and fabrics at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales.
At the end of the course, an interdisciplinary field course is held to consolidate the fundamental concepts and examine deformation styles in different regional tectonic settings.
Core Documentation
1) G. DAVIS, S. REYNOLDS, "STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY OF ROCKS AND REGIONS", WILEY, 1996.2) H. FOSSEN, “STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY", CAMBRIDEGE UNIV. PRESS (2ND ED.), 2016
3) B. A. VAN DER PLUIJM, S. MARSHAK. W.W, "EARTH STRUCTURE" (2ND ED.), NORTON, 2004.
4) C. W. PASSCHIER, R. A. J. TROUW, "MICROTECTONICS” (2ND ED.), SPRINGER, 2006 (2010).
Attendance
Attendance is strongly recommended for laboratory sessions and field activities.Type of evaluation
The assessment comprises an oral examination covering the entire course syllabus and a critical discussion of the fieldwork. Oral examination — 70% The oral examination assesses knowledge of the course content; the ability to apply geometric, kinematic, and dynamic methods to the analysis of geological structures; the ability to interpret structural data within their regional tectonic context; and the appropriate use of subject-specific terminology. Students are required to describe, compare, apply, and justify interpretations, rather than merely recall factual information. Discussion of fieldwork — 30% The discussion assesses the ability to organise and integrate field observations, geological-structural data, and theoretical models; to recognise limitations and uncertainties; and to present well-supported conclusions using appropriate graphical materials. Assessment criteria and final grade The assessment considers the accuracy and completeness of knowledge, the appropriateness of the methods applied, the consistency of interpretations, independent judgement, and clarity of presentation. The final grade is calculated as the weighted sum of the two components indicated above. teacher profile teaching materials
-Deformation and strain
Coaxial and non-coaxial deformation; finite and incremental deformation; homogeneous and heterogeneous strain; the strain ellipsoid; strain states and quantification of finite strain.
-Rheology
Brittle and ductile deformation; deformation mechanisms; constitutive laws and stress–strain relationships; Newtonian and non-Newtonian behaviour; creep; recovery and static and dynamic recrystallisation; deformation-mechanism maps. Rheology and rheological profiles of the continental and oceanic lithosphere.
-Stress
The stress tensor, principal stress axes, stress stes, and Mohr circles.
-Brittle deformation
Mohr–Coulomb and Griffith failure criteria; Andersonian faulting, fault classification, and dynamic analysis through stress-field inversion. Tectonic reactivation: Byerlee’s law and its applications; joints and veins.
Structure of fault zones: fault core, damage zone, and classification of fault rocks. Fault growth and spatial organisation; lateral propagation, overlap, and linkage; kinematic indicators and Riedel shears.
Faults and earthquakes: structural-geology methods and the study of active and exhumed seismogenic faults, including fault rocks and pseudotachylytes.
Fluid–rock interaction and structural controls on hydrothermal mineralisation.
-Ductile deformation
Planar–linear structures; foliations and lineations; S-, L-, and S–L tectonites and their tectonic significance. Single-phase and polyphase folds: description, classification, associated structures, interference patterns, and overprinting criteria.
Relationships between deformation and metamorphism at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales; ductile shear zones and their geological significance; mylonites and kinematic criteria.
-Regional tectonics
Extensional tectonics: geometries of rift systems; pure-shear and simple-shear models; the role of lithospheric rheology; the rifting-to-drifting transition; relationships among deformation, sedimentation, and erosion.
Compressional tectonics: the subduction factory and orogenesis; dynamics of orogenic systems; subduction-related, subduction–collision, and accretionary orogens; pressure–temperature regimes; the orogenic wedge; fold-and-thrust belts and regional examples.
Strike-slip tectonics: structural associations; strike-slip and transform faults; intraplate strike-slip tectonics and regional examples.
Applications and learning activities
Applications of structural geology to ore deposit geology and geotechnical engineering. Laboratory and field exercises devoted to the analysis and interpretation of brittle and ductile deformation data and fabrics at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales.
At the end of the course, an interdisciplinary field course is held to consolidate the fundamental concepts and examine deformation styles in different regional tectonic settings.
2) H. FOSSEN, “STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY", CAMBRIDEGE UNIV. PRESS (2ND ED.), 2016
3) B. A. VAN DER PLUIJM, S. MARSHAK. W.W, "EARTH STRUCTURE" (2ND ED.), NORTON, 2004.
4) C. W. PASSCHIER, R. A. J. TROUW, "MICROTECTONICS” (2ND ED.), SPRINGER, 2006 (2010).
Programme
The course develops the conceptual and practical tools required to analyse and interpret rock deformation and geological structures from the microscale to the regional scale.-Deformation and strain
Coaxial and non-coaxial deformation; finite and incremental deformation; homogeneous and heterogeneous strain; the strain ellipsoid; strain states and quantification of finite strain.
-Rheology
Brittle and ductile deformation; deformation mechanisms; constitutive laws and stress–strain relationships; Newtonian and non-Newtonian behaviour; creep; recovery and static and dynamic recrystallisation; deformation-mechanism maps. Rheology and rheological profiles of the continental and oceanic lithosphere.
-Stress
The stress tensor, principal stress axes, stress stes, and Mohr circles.
-Brittle deformation
Mohr–Coulomb and Griffith failure criteria; Andersonian faulting, fault classification, and dynamic analysis through stress-field inversion. Tectonic reactivation: Byerlee’s law and its applications; joints and veins.
Structure of fault zones: fault core, damage zone, and classification of fault rocks. Fault growth and spatial organisation; lateral propagation, overlap, and linkage; kinematic indicators and Riedel shears.
Faults and earthquakes: structural-geology methods and the study of active and exhumed seismogenic faults, including fault rocks and pseudotachylytes.
Fluid–rock interaction and structural controls on hydrothermal mineralisation.
-Ductile deformation
Planar–linear structures; foliations and lineations; S-, L-, and S–L tectonites and their tectonic significance. Single-phase and polyphase folds: description, classification, associated structures, interference patterns, and overprinting criteria.
Relationships between deformation and metamorphism at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales; ductile shear zones and their geological significance; mylonites and kinematic criteria.
-Regional tectonics
Extensional tectonics: geometries of rift systems; pure-shear and simple-shear models; the role of lithospheric rheology; the rifting-to-drifting transition; relationships among deformation, sedimentation, and erosion.
Compressional tectonics: the subduction factory and orogenesis; dynamics of orogenic systems; subduction-related, subduction–collision, and accretionary orogens; pressure–temperature regimes; the orogenic wedge; fold-and-thrust belts and regional examples.
Strike-slip tectonics: structural associations; strike-slip and transform faults; intraplate strike-slip tectonics and regional examples.
Applications and learning activities
Applications of structural geology to ore deposit geology and geotechnical engineering. Laboratory and field exercises devoted to the analysis and interpretation of brittle and ductile deformation data and fabrics at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales.
At the end of the course, an interdisciplinary field course is held to consolidate the fundamental concepts and examine deformation styles in different regional tectonic settings.
Core Documentation
1) G. DAVIS, S. REYNOLDS, "STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY OF ROCKS AND REGIONS", WILEY, 1996.2) H. FOSSEN, “STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY", CAMBRIDEGE UNIV. PRESS (2ND ED.), 2016
3) B. A. VAN DER PLUIJM, S. MARSHAK. W.W, "EARTH STRUCTURE" (2ND ED.), NORTON, 2004.
4) C. W. PASSCHIER, R. A. J. TROUW, "MICROTECTONICS” (2ND ED.), SPRINGER, 2006 (2010).
Attendance
Attendance is strongly recommended for laboratory sessions and field activities.Type of evaluation
The assessment comprises an oral examination covering the entire course syllabus and a critical discussion of the fieldwork. Oral examination — 70% The oral examination assesses knowledge of the course content; the ability to apply geometric, kinematic, and dynamic methods to the analysis of geological structures; the ability to interpret structural data within their regional tectonic context; and the appropriate use of subject-specific terminology. Students are required to describe, compare, apply, and justify interpretations, rather than merely recall factual information. Discussion of fieldwork — 30% The discussion assesses the ability to organise and integrate field observations, geological-structural data, and theoretical models; to recognise limitations and uncertainties; and to present well-supported conclusions using appropriate graphical materials. Assessment criteria and final grade The assessment considers the accuracy and completeness of knowledge, the appropriateness of the methods applied, the consistency of interpretations, independent judgement, and clarity of presentation. The final grade is calculated as the weighted sum of the two components indicated above. teacher profile teaching materials
-Deformation and strain
Coaxial and non-coaxial deformation; finite and incremental deformation; homogeneous and heterogeneous strain; the strain ellipsoid; strain states and quantification of finite strain.
-Rheology
Brittle and ductile deformation; deformation mechanisms; constitutive laws and stress–strain relationships; Newtonian and non-Newtonian behaviour; creep; recovery and static and dynamic recrystallisation; deformation-mechanism maps. Rheology and rheological profiles of the continental and oceanic lithosphere.
-Stress
The stress tensor, principal stress axes, stress stes, and Mohr circles.
-Brittle deformation
Mohr–Coulomb and Griffith failure criteria; Andersonian faulting, fault classification, and dynamic analysis through stress-field inversion. Tectonic reactivation: Byerlee’s law and its applications; joints and veins.
Structure of fault zones: fault core, damage zone, and classification of fault rocks. Fault growth and spatial organisation; lateral propagation, overlap, and linkage; kinematic indicators and Riedel shears.
Faults and earthquakes: structural-geology methods and the study of active and exhumed seismogenic faults, including fault rocks and pseudotachylytes.
Fluid–rock interaction and structural controls on hydrothermal mineralisation.
-Ductile deformation
Planar–linear structures; foliations and lineations; S-, L-, and S–L tectonites and their tectonic significance. Single-phase and polyphase folds: description, classification, associated structures, interference patterns, and overprinting criteria.
Relationships between deformation and metamorphism at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales; ductile shear zones and their geological significance; mylonites and kinematic criteria.
-Regional tectonics
Extensional tectonics: geometries of rift systems; pure-shear and simple-shear models; the role of lithospheric rheology; the rifting-to-drifting transition; relationships among deformation, sedimentation, and erosion.
Compressional tectonics: the subduction factory and orogenesis; dynamics of orogenic systems; subduction-related, subduction–collision, and accretionary orogens; pressure–temperature regimes; the orogenic wedge; fold-and-thrust belts and regional examples.
Strike-slip tectonics: structural associations; strike-slip and transform faults; intraplate strike-slip tectonics and regional examples.
Applications and learning activities
Applications of structural geology to ore deposit geology and geotechnical engineering. Laboratory and field exercises devoted to the analysis and interpretation of brittle and ductile deformation data and fabrics at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales.
At the end of the course, an interdisciplinary field course is held to consolidate the fundamental concepts and examine deformation styles in different regional tectonic settings.
2) H. FOSSEN, “STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY", CAMBRIDEGE UNIV. PRESS (2ND ED.), 2016
3) B. A. VAN DER PLUIJM, S. MARSHAK. W.W, "EARTH STRUCTURE" (2ND ED.), NORTON, 2004.
4) C. W. PASSCHIER, R. A. J. TROUW, "MICROTECTONICS” (2ND ED.), SPRINGER, 2006 (2010).
Programme
The course develops the conceptual and practical tools required to analyse and interpret rock deformation and geological structures from the microscale to the regional scale.-Deformation and strain
Coaxial and non-coaxial deformation; finite and incremental deformation; homogeneous and heterogeneous strain; the strain ellipsoid; strain states and quantification of finite strain.
-Rheology
Brittle and ductile deformation; deformation mechanisms; constitutive laws and stress–strain relationships; Newtonian and non-Newtonian behaviour; creep; recovery and static and dynamic recrystallisation; deformation-mechanism maps. Rheology and rheological profiles of the continental and oceanic lithosphere.
-Stress
The stress tensor, principal stress axes, stress stes, and Mohr circles.
-Brittle deformation
Mohr–Coulomb and Griffith failure criteria; Andersonian faulting, fault classification, and dynamic analysis through stress-field inversion. Tectonic reactivation: Byerlee’s law and its applications; joints and veins.
Structure of fault zones: fault core, damage zone, and classification of fault rocks. Fault growth and spatial organisation; lateral propagation, overlap, and linkage; kinematic indicators and Riedel shears.
Faults and earthquakes: structural-geology methods and the study of active and exhumed seismogenic faults, including fault rocks and pseudotachylytes.
Fluid–rock interaction and structural controls on hydrothermal mineralisation.
-Ductile deformation
Planar–linear structures; foliations and lineations; S-, L-, and S–L tectonites and their tectonic significance. Single-phase and polyphase folds: description, classification, associated structures, interference patterns, and overprinting criteria.
Relationships between deformation and metamorphism at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales; ductile shear zones and their geological significance; mylonites and kinematic criteria.
-Regional tectonics
Extensional tectonics: geometries of rift systems; pure-shear and simple-shear models; the role of lithospheric rheology; the rifting-to-drifting transition; relationships among deformation, sedimentation, and erosion.
Compressional tectonics: the subduction factory and orogenesis; dynamics of orogenic systems; subduction-related, subduction–collision, and accretionary orogens; pressure–temperature regimes; the orogenic wedge; fold-and-thrust belts and regional examples.
Strike-slip tectonics: structural associations; strike-slip and transform faults; intraplate strike-slip tectonics and regional examples.
Applications and learning activities
Applications of structural geology to ore deposit geology and geotechnical engineering. Laboratory and field exercises devoted to the analysis and interpretation of brittle and ductile deformation data and fabrics at the mesoscopic and microscopic scales.
At the end of the course, an interdisciplinary field course is held to consolidate the fundamental concepts and examine deformation styles in different regional tectonic settings.
Core Documentation
1) G. DAVIS, S. REYNOLDS, "STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY OF ROCKS AND REGIONS", WILEY, 1996.2) H. FOSSEN, “STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY", CAMBRIDEGE UNIV. PRESS (2ND ED.), 2016
3) B. A. VAN DER PLUIJM, S. MARSHAK. W.W, "EARTH STRUCTURE" (2ND ED.), NORTON, 2004.
4) C. W. PASSCHIER, R. A. J. TROUW, "MICROTECTONICS” (2ND ED.), SPRINGER, 2006 (2010).
Attendance
Attendance is strongly recommended for laboratory sessions and field activities.Type of evaluation
The assessment comprises an oral examination covering the entire course syllabus and a critical discussion of the fieldwork. Oral examination — 70% The oral examination assesses knowledge of the course content; the ability to apply geometric, kinematic, and dynamic methods to the analysis of geological structures; the ability to interpret structural data within their regional tectonic context; and the appropriate use of subject-specific terminology. Students are required to describe, compare, apply, and justify interpretations, rather than merely recall factual information. Discussion of fieldwork — 30% The discussion assesses the ability to organise and integrate field observations, geological-structural data, and theoretical models; to recognise limitations and uncertainties; and to present well-supported conclusions using appropriate graphical materials. Assessment criteria and final grade The assessment considers the accuracy and completeness of knowledge, the appropriateness of the methods applied, the consistency of interpretations, independent judgement, and clarity of presentation. The final grade is calculated as the weighted sum of the two components indicated above.