[Geography Notes] on Structural Geology Pdf for Exam

It is a field of study under geology that can trace back the rocks and mountains’ origins. Structural geologists can identify the deformational histories and use the measurements to uncover information about past events. The stress fields that result in the shapes of the rocks are of interest to the geologist. Understanding the stress fields can help link important events in the past to the evolutionary process of a particular region. Structural geology helps to identify widespread rock patterns and deformations on surfaces such as mountains, rifts, etc., that is a result of plate tectonics. 

      

Importance of Structural Geology

It is a subfield of geology where a geologist examines natural geological phenomena. The stress put on the rocks as it was formed of particular interest. The deformations can reveal the angles and origins of stress and makes it possible to determine the intensity of the pressure. Specialists in structural geology can draw up many conclusions by studying how rocks look, how things from, and how they can be used. 

In the economic sense, structural geology is critical in understanding the processes of formation. It can enable us to analyze the patterns and identify the geological features that hold pockets of valuable minerals and other resources such as petroleum. 

Role of Structural Geologist

Structural geologists are called after an accident due to a geologic event to examine why it occurred so that it can be prevented in the future to save the community from damage and loss of life. Structural geologists can assess the geological risks of sinkholes, volcanoes, etc., which concern society and developers.

Fundamentals of Structural Geology

Structural geology is related to the history of the earth as well. Hence, structural geology and tectonics are interlinked. The study of plate tectonics is a part of structural geology where deformations in existing rocks can help identify the earth’s crust movements. 

Structural geologists can draw the connections between similar geologic formations and explore the condition in the various geological ages. They learn about the features formed and the ongoing processes that shape the earth, such as the process of mountain formation. 

It can take place in the field with geologists. They can make site visits to examine the formation that is of economic interest or otherwise. They can carry it back to the lab for examination. These people are experts and can use various types of equipment in the work that includes computers for complex calculations and spectrometers to determine a particular field’s mineral content; aerial photography to get a broad picture of the area. 

Since the scale of geology is vast, the ability to look into the enormous picture is critical to thoroughly understand the geological processes that work in a given area of the world. 

Applied Subsurface Geological Mapping 

To locate the sources of petroleum, subsurface geological maps are vital. People widely use these documents to explore and excavate minerals. Geologists and engineers can understand and efficiently generate many types of subsurface maps. During the exploration process and for the developmental process, it is crucial to understand the 4D development of reservoirs. 

Subsurface maps are fundamental for oil, gas and developmental explorations. It can be seismic based or otherwise. People with experience can make monumental discoveries with the help of such maps. Experts need to examine the constructions of rock surfaces and interpret the fault plane, structure contour, thickness, etc. they can understand the integrated mapping and cross-sections to form data presentations. 

Proficient explorers and development geoscientists in the industry use these mapping techniques to get advanced interpretations. There are many mapping techniques, examples and compressional tectonic settings that play a vital role in subsurface geological mapping.