This book sets out the basic materials science needed for understanding the plastic deformation of rocks and minerals. Although at atmospheric pressure or at relatively low environmental pressures, these materials tend to be brittle, that is, to fracture with little prior plastic deformation when non-hydrostatically stressed, they can undergo substantial permanent strain when stressed under environmental conditions of high confining pressure and high temperature, such as occur geologically in the Earth’s crust and upper mantle. Thus the plastic deformation of rocks and minerals is of fundamental interest in structural geology and geodynamics. In mountain-building processes and during convective stirring in the Earth’s mantle, rocks can undergo very large amounts of plastic flow, accompanied by substantial changes in microstructure. These changes in microstructure remain in the rocks as evidence of the past deformation history. There are a number of types of physical processes whereby rock and minerals can undergo deformation under geological conditions. The physics of these processes is set out in this book.

Problems and Solutions in Structural Geology and Tectonics, Volume 5, in the series Developments in Structural Geology and Tectonics, presents students, researchers and practitioners with an all-new set of problems and solutions that structural geologists and tectonics researchers commonly face. Topics covered include ductile deformation (such as strain analyses), brittle deformation (such as rock fracturing), brittle-ductile deformation, collisional and shortening tectonics, thrust-related exercises, rift and extensional tectonics, strike slip tectonics, and cross-section balancing exercises. The book provides a how-to guide for students of structural geology and geologists working in the oil, gas and mining industries. - Provides practical solutions to industry-related issues, such as well bore stability - Allows for self-study and includes background information and explanation of research and industry jargon - Includes full color diagrams to explain 3D issues

The Second Edition also benefits from new artwork that clearly illustrates complex concepts. New to the Second Edition: New Chapter: 15, "Geophysical Imaging," by Frederick Cook Within Chapters 21 and 22, four new essays on "Regional Perspectives" discuss the European Alps, the Altaids, the Appalachians, and the Cascadia Wedge. New and updated art for more informative illustration of concepts. The Second Edition now has 570 black & white figures.

A modern quantitative approach to structural geology and tectonics for advanced students and researchers.

Atlas of Structural Geology features a broad and inclusive range of high-quality meso- and micro-scale full-color photographs, descriptions, and captions related to the deformation of rocks and geologic structures. It is a multi-contributed, comprehensive reference that includes submissions from many of the world's leading structural geologists, making it the most thorough and comprehensive reference available to the scientific community. All types of structures are featured, including structures related to ductile and brittle shear zones, sigma- and delta-structures, mineral fish, duplexes and trapezoids, shear related folds, and flanking structures in meso- and micro-scales. A stunning collection of the world's most beautiful and arresting geologic structures, the Atlas of Structural Geology is the ideal aid in the retention of key concepts in geology. - Presents more than 250 top-quality, full-color photographs contributed by the world's most respected structural geologists - Features a broad range of morphological variations of geologic structures, making it the most up-to-date and inclusive reference of its kind - Edited by a structural geologist with 14 years of experience in related research and instruction - Aids researchers in developing mathematical and analogue models on the peculiarity and uniqueness of the world's most iconic structures

Lavishly illustrated in color, this textbook takes an applied approach to introduce undergraduate students to the basic principles of structural geology. The book provides unique links to industry applications in the upper crust, including petroleum and groundwater geology, which highlight the importance of structural geology in exploration and exploitation of petroleum and water resources. Topics range from faults and fractures forming near the surface to shear zones and folds of the deep crust. Students are engaged through examples and parallels drawn from practical everyday situations, enabling them to connect theory with practice. Containing numerous end-of-chapter problems, e-learning modules, and with stunning field photos and illustrations, this book provides the ultimate learning experience for all students of structural geology.

For advanced undergraduate structural geology courses.