GEOL 3402 Structural Geology Schedule, Fall 2016 • Page 1 of 4

GEOL 3402-001 • Structural Geology • Fall 2016

Lecture: IE 205 Lab: SCI 201, “the Structure Lab”
MWF, 1-1:50 PM GEOL 3402-501, T 2-4:50 PM
GEOL 3402-502, TH 2-4:50 PM
GEOL 3402-503, W 2-4:50 PM
TAs: Matt Garnett. Office: SCI-227
Travis Sparks: SCI-228
Vinnie Cunningham: SCI-228

Professor: Dr. Aaron Yoshinobu, Email: aaron.yoshinobu@ttu.edu;

Course Webpage: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/gesc/Faculty-Staff/Yoshinobu-index.php
Office: SCI 231 and/or 201
Office hours: T 1-2 PM, 3:30-4:30 PM (in 231 or 201), W/TH 3:30-4:30 PM, or by appointment.

Course Description: Structural geology is the study of the deformation of Earth materials such as rocks and
minerals including magmas, ice, lithospheric plates and the mantle. Geologic structures often, but not always, form in
the context of plate tectonics. Therefore this course will develop some of the current ideas of regarding tectonics from
a structural geologists’ perspective.

This course will introduce students to the concepts and application of geological structural analysis in the study of
formation of orogenic belts, hydrocarbon traps, active and ancient fault and shear zones, folds, and other geologic
structures. The course emphasizes 3-D visualization and conceptualization using sketching as well as quantitative
analysis. The course fills the “writing intensive” requirement of the university Core Curriculum.

Prerequisites: GEOL 1303; 2303 (and their pre-reqs.).

Co-requisites: GEOL 3402 Lab (no credit lab; meaning the grade received in lab contributes to your grade for the
entire 3402-001 course).

Textbooks & Readings:

nd
• Structural Geology, 2 Ed. by Hakkon Fossen.
• Communicating Rocks by Copeland, Pearson Publishing.
• Modern Structural Practice by Rick Allmendinger, available as a FREE pdf at:
http://www.geo.cornell.edu/geology/faculty/RWA/structure-lab-manual/
• Various journal articles provided as pdf’s from the Uni library, including AAPG archive materials.

Required Supplies For LECTURE, LAB and FIELD TRIP – all may be purchased at Varsity Bookstore:

___ Colored Pencils ___ scissors ___ stapler

___ metric and American ruler ___ 4H or 5H pencils with erasers ___ field book (may have one from
___ protractor ___ calculator with trig functions ___ previous GEOL courses)
___ drawing compass ___ pad of tracing paper ___ field pouch
___ mechanical divider ___ scotch-tape ___ map board

Required Field Trips:

4-day field trip to some cool place in NM or TX 13-16 October (THURS-SUN). We will leave at approximately 7 AM
on Thursday and return at approximately 11 PM on Sunday.

1-day field trip to Cap Rock Canyon State Park, date TBA.
 GEOL 3402 Structural Geology Schedule, Fall 2016 • Page 2 of 4

Learning Objectives for Structural Geology: At the end of this course, students should be able to:
• apply scientific methodologies to evaluate structural features.
• distinguish the components of kinematic and dynamic analysis in structural geology.
• derive the conditions of rock deformation based on observational data and experiments.
• interpret unfamiliar geologic maps and cross sections.
• analyze a set of structures and evaluate kinematic compatibility.
• develop and utilize 3-D visualization skills to understand geologic spatial relationships.
• predict the orientation and type of fault that predominates in a given tectonic context.
• visualize and construct a basic geologic cross section that depicts the geometry of structures in the subsurface.
• construct a basic balanced cross section.
• describe, graphically illustrate, and interpret various types of structural data.
• plot, contour, and rotate linear and planar data on a stereonet.
• create, read, and interpret topographic, geologic, structural, and subsurface contour maps.
• calculate the orientation of a plane from a three-point problem.
• analyze stress states and resolve normal and shear stresses using 2-D Mohr circle analyses.
• evaluate the displacement of subsurface faults on the basis of subsurface core and seismic data.
• evaluate the links between structural geology and formation of hydrocarbon traps.
• communicate hypotheses, methods of analysis, results, and interpretations based on a set of geological data sets to a wider audience including
non-geoscientists and petroleum engineers.

Grading: Grading is based the percentage of points earned divided by points possible, where 90-100% = A, 80 to
<90% = B, 70 to <80% = C, 60 to <70% = D, < 60% = F.

2 Mid-Term Exams (approx. 100 pts. Each) Homework Exercises (variable pts.)
1 Final Exam (approx. 200 pts.) Field Report, inc. geologic maps, & geologic cross sections
Approximately 12 Labs (30 pts. Each) (approx. 200 pts.)
Approximately 12 “What is it?” and/or “Rock of the Week” Pop Quizzes. (variable pts.)
exercises (5 pts. each)

***At any time in the semester you may calculate your approximate grade by dividing the total points earned by the total points possible.

***Exams and quizzes will be derived from lecture and lab material.

***Each exam is cumulative and may include portions from the material covered during the previous exam(s). Assigned reading from the
textbook is provided to give reference and background information to the discussions. However, the lectures will be derived from a variety of
sources.

***You will be given ONE TO THREE DAYS prior warning of Exams/Assignments and due dates. Assessments will be reasonable in length and
expectation.

***Please keep records of all your work until you receive your final grade for the course. Hopefully you will keep your notes as you enter the
industry and use them as a resource.

***Absences and late assignments will not be excused unless the Professor/TA is given PRIOR notice (i.e., excused absence from University
Administrator, etc.) or is provided with adequate explanation of the absence (i.e., Drs. note, etc.).

***Late assignments will be docked 2 points/day after the due date. Students shall be excused from attending classes or other required activities,
including exams, during time needed for travel for the purpose of the observance of a religious holy day.

Writing Intensive Requirement. Structural Geology 3402 is a Writing Intensive course.

You are expected to learn some of the traits of professional writing during this course. You will be given a number of opportunities to practice
writing with feedback from me.

“Each degree program will include six hours of writing intensive coursework in the specific area of study. The fundamental objective of a writing
intensive course is for students to write often and receive critical review from the course instructor. Students should be required to rewrite,
based on the instructor’s critique.

The writing intensive course emphasizes the process as well as the products of writing. Faculty use writing to reinforce student learning.
Students’ writing should formulate ideas, raise questions, and express considered opinions. Students’ written work should analyze, integrate,
and synthesize as well as communicate.”

- from: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/catalog/_Academics.php#Writing
 GEOL 3402 Structural Geology Schedule, Fall 2016 • Page 3 of 4

TTU Operating Policies relating to course syllabi:

TTU Resources for Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Violence

Texas Tech University is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment where students, faculty,
staff, and visitors are free from gender and/or sex discrimination of any kind. Sexual assault, discrimination, harassment, and other Title IX
violations are not tolerated by the University. Report any incidents to theOffice for Student Rights & Resolution, (806)-742-SAFE (7233) or
file a report online at titleix.ttu.edu/students. Faculty and staff members at TTU are committed to connecting you to resources on campus.
Some of these available resources are: TTU Student Counseling Center, 806-742-3674, https://www.depts.ttu.edu/scc/(Provides
confidential support on campus.) TTU Student Counseling Center 24-hour Helpline,806-742-5555, (Assists students who are
experiencing a mental health or interpersonal violence crisis. If you call the helpline, you will speak with a mental health counselor.) Voice
of Hope Lubbock Rape Crisis Center, 806-763-7273, voiceofhopelubbock.org(24-hour hotline that provides support for survivors of
sexual violence.) The Risk, Intervention, Safety and Education (RISE) Office, 806-742-2110, rise.ttu.edu(Provides a range of resources
and support options focused on prevention education and student wellness.) Texas Tech Police Department, 806-742-3931,
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/ttpd/(To report criminal activity that occurs on or near Texas Tech campus.)

Student Absence for Observance of Religious Holy Day (OP 34.19)

1. "Religious holy day" means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property taxation under Texas
Tax Code §11.20.
2. A student who intends to observe a religious holy day should make that intention known in writing to the instructor prior to the absence.
A student who is absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day shall be allowed to take an examination or complete
an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence.
3. A student who is excused under section 2 may not be penalized for the absence; however, the instructor may respond appropriately if the
student fails to complete the assignment satisfactorily.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (OP 10.08)

Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course requirements should contact the
instructor as possible to make necessary arrangements. Students must present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services
during the instructor’s office hours. Please note that instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodation to a student until
appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, please contact Student Disability
Services office in 335 West Hall or call 806-742-2405.

Faculty members are required to announce the following within the first two class periods:
"I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has a disability that may require special accommodation. I am sure we can work out whatever
arrangements are necessary. Please make an appointment with me during my office hours."

Academic Honesty & Integrity (OP 34.12)

From OP 34.12: “It is the aim of the faculty of Texas Tech University to foster a spirit of complete honesty and high standard of integrity.
The attempt of students to present as their own any work not honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and administration as a most
serious offense and renders the offenders liable to serious consequences, possibly suspension.
“Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but it not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, collusion, falsifying academic records, misrepresenting facts, and
any act designed to give unfair academic advantage to the student (such as, but not limited to, submission of essentially the same written
assignment for two courses without the prior permission of the instructor) or the attempt to commit such an act.”

Evidence of academic dishonesty will be dealt with following TTU protocols followed here:
http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentconduct/academicinteg.php and in related TTU Opperating Policies.

For additional information refer to TTU OP: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/opmanual/

 GEOL 3402 Structural Geology Schedule, Fall 2016 • Page 4 of 4

Structural Geology 3402 Lecture & Lab Schedule • Fall 2016 – Subject to change

WK. DATE TOPIC READINGS (to be filled out as we go…)

1 29 Aug. Course Organization, Introduction, Methods of structural analysis, _______________________________________
primary & secondary structures _______________________________________
Deformation, displacement, vectors _______________________________________
Lab 1: Attitudes, orientations, lines & planes _______________________________________
2 5 Sept. Labor Day Holiday – No Class _______________________________________
Faults _______________________________________
Lab 2: Stereonets & lines & planes as direction cosines _______________________________________
3 12 Sept. Faults, extensional, contractional, strike slip, oblique slip, “wrench” _______________________________________
Lab 3: Outcrop Patterns, Structure Contours _______________________________________
4 19 Sept. Faults _______________________________________
Lab 4: Geologic Maps _______________________________________
5 26 Sept. Fault-rocks & shear zones _______________________________________
Lab 5: Analysis of Analog FTB’s with CT Scans _______________________________________
6 3 Oct. Folds _______________________________________
***MID-TERM 1, Oct. 5 on material through 3 Oct.*** _______________________________________
Lab 6: Metamorphic rock descriptions & fabrics _______________________________________
7 10 Oct. Ductile fabrics: Foliations, lineations, crenulations, etc. _______________________________________
Fabrics _______________________________________
***13-16 OCT. FIELD TRIP TO Manzano Mountains, NM!!!!!!!!!! _______________________________________
No Lab Meeting _______________________________________
8 17 Oct. Field trip post-mortem, Strain _______________________________________
Lab 7: Structural analysis of poly-deformed terranes _______________________________________
9 24 Oct. Stress & Strain _______________________________________
Strain rate _______________________________________
Lab 8: Geologic Cross sections _______________________________________
10 31 Oct. Failure Mechanics _______________________________________
Returning from depth… Brittle rheology _______________________________________
Brittle failure _______________________________________
Lab 9: Mohr-Coulomb Failure Experiment _______________________________________
11 7 Nov. Fractures _______________________________________
***MIDTERM 2, Nov. 9 on material up through 7 Nov.*** _______________________________________
Mechanics of low angle faults _______________________________________
Lab 10: Analog fracture experiment _______________________________________
12 14 Nov. The sound of fracturing: CRACK!!!!!!!! _______________________________________
Fractures _______________________________________
Lab 11: Mystery lab _______________________________________
13 21 Nov. Structural geology of convergent plate boundaries _______________________________________
23 Nov. 23-27 Nov. Thanksgiving Holiday Break _______________________________________
_______________________________________
14 28 Nov. Ancient & Modern Convergent Plate Boundaries: _______________________________________
Lab 12: Mystery lab, revisited _______________________________________
15 5 Dec. Ancient and Modern Divergent Plate Boundaries _______________________________________
No Lab. Last day of classes is Wednesday 7 Dec. _______________________________________

***Comprehensive Lecture Final 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM Tuesday December 13***

References
nd
FOS = Fossen’s Structural Geology text book (Chapter and page references are to the 2 edition).
ALL = Allmendinger, Modern Structural Practice lab manual
Stone = Don Stone’s cool paper on the necessity of drawing 3D geometries
And other papers as assigned over the course of the semester.