This course on Crustal Deformation and Mountain Building aims to help learners understand the processes and mechanisms behind the formation of mountains. By studying the causes and types of rock deformation, as well as structures like folds, faults, and joints, students will gain insights into the geological forces shaping the Earth's surface. The course covers various mountain-building processes such as subduction, collisional mountain belts, and Cordilleran-type mountain building. Through the exploration of real-world examples like the Andes, Himalayas, and Appalachians, participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of Earth's diverse topography. The teaching method involves a combination of theoretical explanations, visual aids, and case studies to illustrate key concepts. This course is designed for individuals interested in geology, earth sciences, geography, or environmental studies, seeking to deepen their knowledge of the dynamic processes that have shaped the planet's landscapes.
Overview
Syllabus
Intro
What Causes Rock to Deform?
How Do Rocks Deform? • Elastic, Brittle, and Ductile Deformation
Rocks Exhibiting Ductile Deformation
Common Types of Folds
Domes Versus Basins
Folds: Rock Structures Formed by Ductile Deformation • Monoclines
The East Kaibab Monocline, Arizona
Faults and Joints: Rock Structures Formed by Brittle Deformation
Hanging Wall Block and Footwall Block
Normal Faulting in the Basin and Range Province
Strike Slip Fault
Subduction and Mountain Building
Andean-Type Mountain Building
Collisional Mountain Belts
Cordilleran-Type Mountain Building
North American Cordillera
Distribution of Modern Day Oceanic Plateaus and Fragments
Formation of the Himalayas
Formation of the Appalachians
Earth's Varied Topography
The Principle of Isostasy
Erosion and Resulting Isostatic Adjustment of the Crust
Taught by
Sven Holbik
