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Geological Structures: Folds and Tectonic Context Study Guide

Tectonic Deformation and Orogeny Processes

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Tectonic Deformation, Stress, and Faulting

Tectonic Deformation and Rock Stress

This topic covers tectonic deformation, stress, strain, and the structural characteristics of rock layers including strike and dip.

  • Force
  • Stress
  • Strain
  • Brittle Deformation
  • Ductile Deformation
  • Displacement
  • Rotation
  • Distortion
  • Strike
  • Dip
  • Joints
  • Veins

Tectonic Deformation and Fault Mechanics

An overview of brittle deformation through faults, including fault anatomy, types, and tectonic settings.

  • Brittle deformation
  • Fault anatomy
  • Normal fault
  • Reverse fault
  • Strike-slip fault
  • Footwall
  • Hanging wall
  • Fault throw
  • Tensional stress
  • Compressional stress
  • Left-lateral strike-slip
  • Right-lateral strike-slip

The Geologic Time Scale

The Geologic Time Scale

The geologic time scale divides Earth's history into eons, eras, periods, and epochs.

  • Eons
  • Eras
  • Periods
  • Epochs
  • Proterozoic
  • Phanerozoic
  • Paleozoic Era
  • Mesozoic Era
  • Cenozoic Era
  • Geologic history

Earth Geology and Data Measurement Fundamentals

Fundamentals of Data Measurement and Units

A study of data measurement involving quantities, magnitudes, and the International System of Units.

  • Data Measurement
  • International System of Units (SI)
  • Base Quantities
  • Derived Units
  • Unit Conversion
  • Measurement Uncertainties
  • Precision vs. Accuracy

Earth Structure and Plate Tectonics Mechanisms

Structure and Composition of Earth's Interior

The Earth is a chemically and physically layered planet consisting of the crust, mantle, and core.

  • Crust
  • Mantle
  • Core
  • Moho discontinuity
  • Lithosphere
  • Asthenosphere
  • Geodynamo
  • Peridotite
  • Seismic waves

Types and Behavior of Seismic Waves

  • Seismic waves
  • Body waves
  • Surface waves
  • P waves
  • S waves
  • Love waves
  • Wave reflection
  • Wave refraction
  • Seismograph
  • Shadow zones
  • Core-mantle boundary

Earth Structure and Isostasy Principles

An exploration of Earth's internal layers, temperature gradients, and the principles of isostasy governing crustal buoyancy and adjustment.

  • Earth's internal layers
  • Lithosphere
  • Asthenosphere
  • Geothermal gradient
  • Isostasy
  • Airy model
  • Pratt model
  • Isostatic adjustment
  • Isostatic rebound
  • Seismic wave velocity

Mechanisms of Plate Tectonics

Earth's rigid outer shell is broken into plates that move relative to each other and interact at their boundaries.

  • Lithosphere
  • Asthenosphere
  • Continental Crust
  • Oceanic Crust
  • Divergent Boundary
  • Convergent Boundary
  • Transform Boundary
  • Subduction
  • Mid-Ocean Ridge
  • Continental Rifting
  • Suture

Plate Tectonics and Driving Forces

This topic explores mantle convection, driving mechanisms of plate motion, and the Wilson Cycle.

  • Hot Spots
  • Mantle Convection
  • Slab Pull
  • Trench Suction
  • Oceanic Lithosphere

History of Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift

  • Continental Drift Hypothesis
  • Continental Fit
  • Glacial/Paleoclimate evidence
  • Fossil Evidence
  • Geological Evidence

Paleomagnetism and Apparent Polar Wander

The study of magnetic information preserved in rocks reveals how iron minerals align with Earth's dipolar magnetic field to track historical movements of magnetic poles.

  • Dipolar magnetic field
  • Paleomagnetism
  • Magnetic declination and inclination
  • Iron minerals alignment
  • Polar wander paths
  • Apparent polar wander
  • Continental drift

History and Mechanisms of Plate Tectonics

The evolution of plate tectonics theory through seafloor spreading, magnetic anomalies, and mantle convection.

  • mid-ocean ridge (MOR)
  • seafloor spreading
  • magnetic anomalies
  • oceanic crust
  • magnetic reversals
  • mantle convection
  • hot spots
  • transform faults
  • continental drift

Processes and Classification of Metamorphic Rocks

Classification of Metamorphic Rocks

Metamorphic rocks are classified based on the intensity of modification of the protoliths and the development of metamorphic foliation.

  • metamorphic foliation
  • foliated metamorphic rocks
  • non-foliated metamorphic rocks
  • metamorphic intensity
  • protolith
  • slate
  • phyllite
  • schist
  • quartzite
  • marble

Geological Folds and Their Anatomy

Atomic Structure and Radioactive Decay

Radiometric Dating and Radioactive Decay

Use the decay of radioactive isotopes in rocks to measure the age of rocks through atomic structure and half-life.

  • Radiometric dating
  • Radioactive isotopes
  • Atomic structure
  • Protons
  • Electrons
  • Isotopes
  • Radioactive decay
  • Stable isotopes
  • Alpha decay
  • Half-life

Fundamentals of Minerals, Igneous, and Metamorphic Rocks

Processes of Metamorphic Rock Formation

Metamorphism involves changes in the solid state through phase change, neocrystallization, and metasomatism.

  • Metasomatism
  • Phase change
  • Neocrystallization
  • Pressure solution and recrystallization
  • Polymorphs
  • Hydrothermal fluids

Classification and Processes of Metamorphic Rocks

Metamorphic rocks are classified by foliation, texture, and composition, resulting from plastic deformation and varying metamorphic grades.

  • Plastic deformation
  • Foliation
  • Differential stress
  • Confining stress
  • Foliated metamorphic rocks
  • Non-foliated metamorphic rocks
  • Metamorphic grade
  • Index minerals
  • Isograds
  • Migmatite

Igneous Rocks and Magmatic Processes

An overview of magma formation, chemical composition, and the classification of igneous rocks.

  • Magma formation
  • Partial melting
  • Decompression melting
  • Heat transfer
  • Addition of volatiles
  • Chemical composition (Silica content)
  • Fractional crystallization
  • Extrusive vs. Intrusive rocks
  • Sills and Dikes

Igneous Rock Classification and Texture

Classification of igneous rocks is based upon composition and texture, including crystalline, glassy, and fragmental arrangements.

  • Composition (felsic, intermediate, mafic, ultramafic)
  • Texture (size, shape, and arrangement of minerals)
  • Phaneritic texture
  • Aphanitic texture
  • Porphyritic texture
  • Intrusive vs. Extrusive cooling

Minerals, Rocks, and the Rock Cycle

A study of mineral definitions, identification, classification, and the chemical composition of the Earth's crust.

  • Mineral definition
  • Crystalline structure
  • Inorganic substances
  • Chemical composition
  • Earth's crust elements

Atomic Structure, Bonding, and Mineral Crystallization

An exploration of atomic structure, chemical bonds, crystalline structures, and the processes of mineral formation.

  • Atomic structure
  • Cations and anions
  • Covalent bonding
  • Metallic bonding
  • Crystalline structure
  • Glass
  • Polymorphs
  • Mineral formation
  • Crystal growth

Mineral Properties and Rock Classification

An overview of mineral identification through physical properties, chemical classification of silicates, and the fundamental types of rocks within the rock cycle.

  • Physical properties of minerals
  • Mohs Hardness Scale
  • Specific gravity
  • Crystal habit
  • Cleavage and fracture
  • Silicate mineral groups
  • Mineral classification by anions
  • Rock types
  • Rock cycle

Tectonic Deformation and Orogeny Processes

Tectonic Deformation and Orogeny Processes

Tectonic deformations and orogeny involve processes to form mountain ranges through various stress types and plate interactions.

  • Orogeny
  • Collision
  • Subduction
  • Continental rifting
  • Exotic terrane accretion
  • Isostasy
  • Delamination
  • Exhumation

Principles and Applications of Radiometric Dating

Storms, Tropical Cyclones, and Shoreline Impact

Storms, Hurricanes, and Coastal Processes

Storms and tropical cyclones impact the shoreline through strong winds, storm surge, and breaching of coastal barriers.

  • Storm
  • Tropical cyclones
  • Storm surge
  • Storm tide
  • Breaching of coastal barrier
  • Offshore movement of sediment

Sediment Properties, Transport, and Deposition

Sediment Production, Transport, and Deposition

This topic covers sediment transport modes, depositional bed structures, and the characteristics of various depositional environments.

  • Sediment transport modes
  • Traction
  • Saltation
  • Suspension
  • Bed grading
  • Normal and reverse grading
  • Bedforms
  • Cross beds
  • Angle of repose
  • Post-depositional features
  • Bioturbation
  • Depositional environments

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