Articles for Teaching Structural Geology
- Formation of spaced cleavage and folds in brittle limestone by dissolution. Alvarez, Engelder and Lowrie,1976 Short, well written article that presents a nice case for the role of dissolution in cleavage formation and is an early article on this subject. This is a good article for a class discussion on cleavage and its formation, and students can be asked to comment on what they believe are the most compelling examples that support the authors' position. (citation and description)
- The Hydro-Potential (HP) Value: A Rock Classification Technique for Evaluation of the Ground-Water Potential in Fractured Bedrock. Gates, 1997 The Hydro-Potential (HP) Value: A Rock Classification Technique for Evaluation of the Ground-Water Potential in Fractured Bedrock (citation and description)
- Questioning the Delphic Oracle. Hale, et al., 2003 A wonderful detective story that deals with locating and mapping faults in the field and migration of fluids with dissolved, intoxicating volatiles through permeable fault zone rocks. The connection to human events (the Delphi Oracle) is a lovely bonus. Because it is a Scientific American article, students find it very readable. (citation and description)
- Structure and permeability: Geologic controls on induced seismicity at Nurek Reservoir, Tadjikstan, USSR. Leith, Simpson, and Alvarez, 1981 Short article on the role of bedrock structure on the distribution of elevated pore pressure and reservoir induced seismicity. Excellent real-world example of pore pressure effects. Clear description of connection between local structure and regional tectonics. (citation and description)
- Structural openings and the localization of ore bodies. Nelson et al, 2003 This article discusses controls on structural openings in rocks that control fluid flow and ore deposit formation. Examples of analysis methods and a proposed classification of structural openings (with examples) are included. (citation and description)
- Determination of movement sense in mylonites. Simpson, 1986 Succinct and clearly-explained article of moderate length on kinematic indicators in mylonites. Nicely illustrated. Students find the level of the presentation in this article to be just about right – accessible with a bit of effort. (citation and description)
