Folds,Faults,andGeologicMaps-BakersfieldCollege.docVIP

Structural Geology and Geologic Maps Deformation Deformation refers to all changes in the original form and/or size of a rock body Most crustal deformation occurs along plate margins How rocks deform Rocks subjected to stresses begin to deform by folding, flowing, or fracturing Deformation is strain and occurs in response to stress: Compressional stress (Appalachians) Tensional stress (Basin and Range) Shear stress (San Andreas Fault) How rocks deform General characteristics of rock deformation Elastic deformation – the rock returns to nearly its original size and shape when the stress is removed Once the elastic limit (strength) of a rock is surpassed, it either flows (ductile or plastic deformation) or fractures (brittle deformation) Rock strength is influenced by: Temperature Confining pressure Rock type Time Brittle vs. Ductile (Plastic) Deformation Strike and Dip Provides a way of describing the orientation of rock beds, fault planes, or joints Strike is the intersection of a horizontal plane with the bed (a horizontal line measured as a compass direction) Dip is the direction straight down the slope and is normal to the strike (measured from horizontal) Folds During crustal deformation rocks are often bent into a series of wave-like undulations called folds Most folds result from compressional stresses which shorten and thicken the crust Parts of a fold Limbs – refers to the two sides of a fold Axis – a line drawn down the points of maximum curvature of each layer Axial plane – an imaginary surface that divides a fold symmetrically Common types of folds Anticline – upfolded or arched rock layers (oldest rocks in middle) Syncline – downfolds or troughs of rock layers (youngest rocks in middle) Depending on their orientation, anticlines and synclines can be described as Symmetrical, asymmetrical, recumbent (overturned fold), or plunging Anticlines and Synclines Anticlines and Synclines Chevron Folds Outcrops of Plunging Folds Outcrops of Plunging Folds Common