The Mapping of Geological Structures ebook is available to be downloaded here now.
- Title: The Mapping of Geological Structures
- Author: K. R. McClay
- Publisher: Geological Society of London Handbook
- Pages: 168
The completion of this Handbook has been possible through the generous support and encouragement of the staff and students of the Department of Earth Sciences at Goldsmith’s College. In particular I thank Dr D. Helm for his critical reviews and advice. T. Easter ably assisted with the photographic reproductions, M. Insley assisted with the drafting of the figures and Carol Sutton assisted with the word processing. Dr M. de Freitas, the first Geological Society of London Handbook Series Editor and Ms R. Dixon of the Open University Press are thanked for their advice, patience and encouragement.
This book is designed as a basic guide to the field mapping and interpretation of geological structures. Emphasis is placed upon the identification of structures and the systematic recording of structural data, as both should be a fundamental part of any mapping programme. The identification and description of structures, together with an understanding of their development, i.e. their movement patterns {Kinematic analysis) and an appreciation of the forces and stresses responsible for them (Dynamic analysis) are extremely useful for interpreting particular structures, and for knowing what geometry to expect whilst mapping in a particular terrane.
Structural data cannot be recorded or used in a vacuum. They must be accompanied by full lithological, sedimentological, petrological and palaeontological descriptions for their complete interpretation.
The following aspects are emphasised in this Handbook;
- Recognition of structures.
- What to measure and what to describe
- How to analyse the data collected.
- How to interpret the data and incorporate it into the stratigraphy, interpretation and regional syntheses for an area.
In all cases emphasis is placed upon systematic field observations, accurate measurements of the orientations of structural elements, careful recording of the data in the field notebook, sketching and photographing the structures, and analysis in the field using the stereographic projection. Above all, structural geology requires the appreciation of the three-dimensional nature of structures. Think in 3D and learn to extend your view of structures above and below the map sheet.