Staff involved: Dr. Patrice Rey (The University of Sydney)

The assumption that complex regional structures can always be described in terms of discrete phase of deformation (D1, D2, ..., Dn) associated with a short lived thermal pulse (M1, M2, ..., Mn) is firmly held, as is the belief that complex structures always result from changing boundary conditions.

There is no doubt that boundary conditions can change drastically over short periods of time, and that complex tectonic histories may result in complex structures. However, there is also little doubt that complex structures may result from relatively simple boundary conditions applied to a complex mechanical system. It is therefore of vital importance to define a field strategy able to separate the component related to local mechanical conditions from the total regional finite strain field.

Module Objectives: This field course aims to introduce experienced field geologists, apprentice structural geologists, and geophysicists to the modern approach of large-scale tectonic systems. On the basis of continuum mechanics, participants will learn to document and characterise regional finite strain fields, and to interpret them in terms of progressive deformations, finite strain fields superimposition, incremental strain fields interference, or mechanical instabilities.

Expected outcome:

(1) being able to construct tectonic maps,
(2) being able to separate from the total regional finite strain field the component related to local mechanical heterogeneities and
(3) being able to interpret regional finite strain field in terms of large scale tectonic systems.

Module Program: The program has a theoretical component (30%), and a field component (70%).

Lectures:
Introduction to modern structural geology and tectonics.
Finite and Incremental Strain: Relevance for Regional-Scale Structures.
Finite Strain Fields Superimposition vs Incremental Strain Fields Interference.
Geodynamics of Mountain Belts, and Large-Scale Structures in Orogens.
Finite Strain Field of Large-Scale Tectonics Systems.
Field:
Mapping exercise: Characterisation of Regional Finite Strain Field of a Broken Hill area.

Format, duration and timing: Can be negotiated with participants, this course can be held at several occasion during the year, please contact the module coordinator to discuss arrangements. 2 hours of lecture in the morning (or afternoon depending on the weather condition), the rest of the day in the field. Not offered in 2004.

Assumed Knowledge: Third year structural geology and tectonics, third year petrology, chemistry.

Text and/or reference materials:

Micro-tectonics, C.W. Passchier and R.A.J. Trouw, Elsevier, (1996).

Earth Structure, an introduction to structural geology and tectonics, B. Van der Pluijm and S. Marshak, McGraw-Hill (1997).

Déformation et déplacement dans l' écorce terrestre. P. Choukroune, (1994).

Assessment: 3000 worlds essay, field map, cross sections and block diagrams.

Cost: For SUCOGG students the charge will merely cover the cost of transport and accomodation which are estimated at around $300. Students will meet their own food costs. The number of place is limited.

Module contact person and coordinator:

Dr. P.F. Rey
School of Geosciences, Division of Geology and Geophysics
The University of Sydney,
NSW 2006, Australia
Phone: 61 2 9351 2067
Fax: 61 2 9351 0184
E-mail: prey@es.usyd.edu.au

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