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Introduction to Structural Geology (GEOL90049)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 6.25On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | August |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This course will be run as a hands-on workshop introducing the main structural geometries seen on seismic data and in outcrop in the oil industry. The emphasis is on developing a workflow to allow exploration and production geologists and geophysicists to assess structural style and produce valid structural interpretations as well as consider alternative interpretations. The course will introduce the structural styles associated with extension, compression, inversion, strike-slip and salt diapirism. Shale diapirism and fractures are an optional extra. Examples will be shown from both seismic data and outcrop. Frequent short exercises, interpreting seismic data and outcrop images, will reinforce the theory presented.
The workshop will concentrate on practical methods to define the relationships between faults, folds, sedimentary packages and regional elevation and how they can be used predictively to validate an interpretation and prospect. Emphasis is placed on the ‘Structural Family’ present in an area, which depends strongly on the basement architecture and tectonic history. Seismic and field examples are drawn from the Timor Sea, Bass Strait, Borneo, the Gulf of Suez, the Apennines, the Taranaki Basin, New Guinea, Indonesia, Watchet, the Otway Basin, Cape Liptrap, the Pyrenees and the Canadian Rockies amongst others.
Intended learning outcomes
- An understanding of interpretation and analysis of extensional structures
- An ability to interpret structural inversion on seismic data
- An understanding of the geometry of strike-slip and compression structures
- An ability to understand the properties of salt and shale diapirism and identify their signatures in seismic data
- A basic understanding of fractures
Generic skills
- Exercise critical judgement
- Undertake rigorous and independent thinking
- Develop high-level written report and/or oral presentation skills
- Interrogate, synthesise and interpret the published literature
- Adopt a problem-solving approach to new and unfamiliar tasks
- Work as part of a team
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
A knowledge of third-year structural geology is recommended.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- An interpretation and assessment of a Po Valley seismic line (50%)
- An interpretation and comparison of diapirism styles (50%)
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- August
Coordinator Kevin Hill Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total of 40 contact hours: 8 hours of lectures, 32 hours of practicals Total time commitment 68 hours Pre teaching start date 22 July 2019 Pre teaching requirements Background pre-reading: Structural Geology, an introduction to geometrical techniques. Donal Ragan. 2009. Teaching period 5 August 2019 to 9 August 2019 Last self-enrol date 24 July 2019 Census date 5 August 2019 Last date to withdraw without fail 6 August 2019 Assessment period ends 9 August 2019 August contact information
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Pre-reading: Structural Geology, an introduction to geometrical techniques. Donal Ragan. 2009.
- Subject notes
Students should bring the following equipment to all practicals: calculator, protractor, ruler, coloured pencils, sharpener, eraser.
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 3 November 2022