Concepts of rheology and rock mechanics. Internal structure of Earth. Modes and stiles of deformation at various length scales. Experimental analogue models and comparison with natural examples and seismic lines. Scaling of analogue models. Continental extension at lithospheric and crustal scale. Fold-and-thrust belts, continental collision and subduction zones. Strike-slip tectonics. Negative and positive inversion tectonics; fault reactivation. Stress transfer during earthquakes.
Ramberg, H., 1981. Gravity, Deformation and the Earth's Crust. Academic Press, London. 452 pp.
Weijermars, R., 1997. Principles of Rock Mechanics. Alboran Science Publishing, Amsterdam. 360 pp.
Kearey, P., Klepeis, K.A., Vine, F.J. 2009. Global Tectonics, 3rd Edition, Wiley-Blackwell 482 pp.
Bally, A.W. 1983, Seismic
Expression of Structural Styles. A Picture and Work Atlas. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. Studies in Geology, Series # 15
Pdf files of articles or parts of text books
Learning Objectives
This is a specialized course that aims to provide a specific knowledge on structural geological models through an integration among natural cases histories, analogue models and seismic lines. Competences acquired: Basic knowledge of rock mechanics, analogue modelling and the geology of the main structural environments.
Prerequisites
Background in geology and structural geology
Teaching Methods
Powerpoint-aided lectures. Possibility of practical lessons in the Tectonic Modelling Laboratory and analysis of seismic lines in classroom.
Further information
6 CFU, frequency of lessons is highly recommended.
Type of Assessment
Oral examination
Course program
Rheology and rock mechanics – Brittle and ductile behaviors, types of stress-strain curves for ductile materials, rheological behaviors of main rock types.
Internal structure of Earth – Lithosphere, continental crust, strength profiles in various tectonic contexts.
Experimental analogue modelling – Deformation apparatuses, types of analogue materials, conditions of similarity, concept and scaling procedure.
Continental extension – Styles of extension of the continental lithosphere: wide and narrow rifting. Rift valleys and comparison with the African rift valleys, with emphasis on the Main Ethiopian Rift. Extension at the scale of the crust and sedimentary cover. Tectono-sedimentary patterns. Influence of the tectonic inheritance on the structural styles. Comparison with analogue models and seismic lines.
Fold-and-thrust belts, continental collision and subuction processes – Fold types. Structural styles and tectono-sedimentary deformation patterns in syn-tectonic basins. The role of basal ductile layers (décollements) and of syn-tectonic sedimentation. Application of the critical taper concept. Continental collision. Subduction processes and dynamics of the lithospheric and asthenospheric mantle. Mega-thrusts and mega-earthquakes. Comparison with analogue models and seismic lines.
Strike-slip tectonics – Structural styles, Riedel structures and pull-apart basins. Comparison with analogue models and seismic lines.
Inversion tectonics – Reactivation in compression and extension of pre-existing faults (negative and positive inversion). Inversion and shortening of former extensional basins. Comparison and usage of the Mohr circle. Comparison with analogue models and seismic lines.
Stress transfer – Coulomb stress changes produced by earthquakes; interaction among seismogenic structures and volcanoes. Examples from some relevant seismic events.