Geology 689: Special Topics in Brittle Faulting

Dr. F. M. Chester

Fall 2001 Syllabus

Fractures and brittle faults occur within the Earth's crust on all scales, and where present may influence many of the physical properties of the rock, particularly the mechanical and transport properties. Large deformations of the crust generally involve faulting, and movement on faults is responsible for most earthquakes. In addition, faults often have a role in the concentration of mineral, energy, and water resources, and fault properties must be considered in the extraction or management of resources. Faults generally consist of tabular zones of deformed rock with structure that varies with rock parameters, environmental conditions of faulting, and the evolutionary stage of the fault.

After Caine et al., 1996

Scope of Course

Through lectures and a survey of the literature, we will investigate the 1) structure of fractures and faults at all scales in both porous and tight rocks, 2) formation and evolution of faults, fault networks, fault zones and fault rocks, 3) influence of faulting on fluid flow properties of rock, 4) seismic faulting and aseismic creep, and 5) current unsolved problems and future research opportunities dealing with faults. As a result of this course, participants should be well equipped to identify, characterize, interpret, and predict fault structure, and to understand the properties of faults for engineering purposes, for resource exploration, and for management and recovery of resources.

Course Organization

Course will involve lectures, problems and directed reading from books and scientific journals, a short written report (literature survey, proposal, term paper, or independent research), and class presentations and discussions.

Grading

Final course grade will be based on class participation (20%), the midterm (25%), final exam (25%), and the written report and oral presentation (30%). Exams will be problems and essay style.