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(Same as CEE 195 A, B.) A two quarter course for undergraduates that emphasizes observational techniques, analysis methods, and theoretical foundations of structural geology. Computer exercises are integrated with field data to understand the role of geologic structures in the evolution of the earth's crust (folding, faulting, flow, and fracturing of rock) and geologic hazards (earthquakes and volcanoes). Topics: structural quantities and dimensional analysis; use of stress, strain, displacement, and velocity fields in structural analysis; concept and measurement of deformation; mechanical properties of rock (elasticity, viscosity, strength, friction, fracture toughness); cases studies of typical geologic structures using continuum mechanics.
3 units (Pollard)
Introduction to modern techniques for mapping and measurement of geological features associated with natural resources recovery, geological hazards, and environmental problems. Use of descriptive geometry and stereographic projections to analyze geological field data. Total Positioning System (TPS) and the satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS) are used for field data acquisition. Compilation, visualization, and presentation of 2D and 3D field data is implemented using computer graphics applications and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Field trips.
3 units (Pollard)
First of a two quarter sequence in structural geology and rock mechanics. Quantitative field and laboratory data are integrated with solutions to initial and boundary-value problems of continuum mechanics to introduce conceptual and mechanical modules for tectonic processes in Earth's crust that lead to the development of geological structures including folds, faults, fractures, and fabrics. Topics include: techniques and tools for structural mapping; using differential geometry to characterize structures; dimensional analysis and scaling relations; kinematics of elastic deformation and viscous flow; traction and stress analysis.
In the second quarter, field equations for the elastic solid and viscous fluid are derived from the conservation laws as a basis to develop mechanical models for tectonic processes and their structural products. Topics include: conservation of mass and momentum in a deformable continuum; linear elastic deformation and elastic properties of rock; brittle deformation including fracture and faulting; linear viscous flow including folding, model development and methodlolgy. Models are constructed and solutions visualized using MATLAB.
5 units (Pollard)
(Same as Geophysics 216.) Theoretical and experimental principles of continuum and fracture mechanics applied to the origin and physical behavior of faults, dikes, joints, veins, solution surfaces, and other natural structures in rock. Field observations, engineering rock fracture mechanics, and the elastic theory of cracks. The role of natural fractures in brittle rock deformation, fluid flow, and heat transport in the earth's crust with applications to crustal deformation and tectonophysics, structural geology, petroleum geology and engineering, and hydrogeology. Prerequisite: 215 or equivalent.
5 units (Pollard)
This course presents a process-based approach to rock failure and surveys the microstructures and overall architectures of the failure products including faults, joints, solution seams, and various types of deformation bands. Fluid flow properties of these structures are characterized with an emphasis on sealing and transmitting of faults and their role in hydrocarbon flow, migration, and entrapment. Case studies of fracture characterization experiments in aquifers, oil and gas reservoirs, and waste repository sites are reviewed. Invited lecturers from relevant disciplines and one weekend field trip are integral components of the course. Prerequisite: equivalent of first-year graduate student in Geological and Environmental Sciences, Geophysics, and Petroleum Engineering.
3 units (Aydin)