EART2234 Structural and Metamorphic Geology [UG]
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| Credit: 6 points Availability: Semester 2 (See Timetable) Old unit code: 520.234 | |
| Outcomes: Students are able to grasp the basic concepts and processes of structural geology and its applications; grasp the basic concepts and processes of metamorphic geology and its links to other geologic disciplines; grasp the link between structure and metamorphism; identify a range of metamorphic minerals in hand-specimen and under the microscope, and use basic metamorphic analysis techniques; perform structural analyses using the stereographic net; draw precise geological cross sections; and produce comprehensive geological analyses of map sheets with deformed/metamorphosed terranes. | |
| Content: This unit shows how to investigate rocks that have been modified by substantial changes in physical and chemical conditions by looking at the processes of structural geology and metamorphism. Students learn the principles of structural geology including the geometric, kinematic and dynamic analysis of both brittle and ductile structures. Topics include joints, veins, faults, stress analysis and mechanisms of rock failure, strain analysis and the investigation of ductile structures such as folds and shear zones. Practical work involves learning the techniques of two- and three-dimensional structural analysis as part of an ongoing map interpretation project. Techniques such as stereographic analysis, fold and fault interpretation and drawing cross-sections are covered in relation to the map exercise. The final mapping report forms a significant part of the continuous assessment. The petrology section involves the practical and theoretical investigation of various parent rocks that have been modified by fluid interaction and brittle deformation (hydrothermal alteration and metasomatism, and weathering) and by metamorphism and ductile deformation. The products of these rock-modifying processes are investigated using their mineralogical and chemical composition, textures and microstructures, and field relationships. Practical work is closely integrated with theory and involves observation and interpretation of map-based specimens. The two sections of the unit are closely integrated. | |
| Assessment: This comprises continuous assessment through a series of practical exercises and reports (40 per cent) and practical and theory examinations (60 per cent). Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a bachelor's pass degree student who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete their course. | |
| Unit Co-ordinator(s): Associate Professor Myra Keep | |
| Location: UWA (Crawley) | |
| Mode: on-campus | |
Unit Rules: | |
| Prerequisites: EART2231 Earth Materials | |
| Contact hours—lectures: 3 hrs per week; labs: 3 hrs per week; field work: 1 day | |
Unit Web Page: http://webct.uwa.edu.au/ (only for enrolled students) | |
| Note: Some unit web pages are still under construction and will be available in 2008. | |
Assistance with study skills, including English language skills, is available free of charge from Student Services for all enrolled students (see http://www.studysmarter.uwa.edu.au/). Student Services location: Second Floor, South Wing, Guild Village; telephone: 6488 2423. | |
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