Geological structure Flashcards
What is geological structure?
the arrangements of rock units
geological structure: strata what is it?
the different layers of rock within an area and how they relate to each other (dip angle)
geological structure: Deformation what is it?
the degree at which rock layers have been deformed (tilted or folded by tectonic activity)
geological structure: Faulting what is it?
the presence of major fractures that have moved rocks in their original position.
What is lithology?
the physical characteristics of particular rocks (strata, bedding planes, joints, folds, faults and dips)
What are joints?
fractures, caused by either contraction as sediment dries out or by earth movement during uplift
What is strata?
layers of rock
What is a dip?
the angle at which rock strata (layers) lie
What are bedding planes?
natural breaks in the strata, caused by gaps in time during periods of rock formation
What are folds?
formed by pressure during tectonic activity, which makes rock buckle and crumple
What are faults?
formed when the stress or pressure to which a rock undergoes, exceeds its internal strength, causing it to fracture. They then slip along fault planes.
What is coastal morphology?
the shape and form of a coastal landscape and their features.
4 factors determining morphology
geology, geologic structure and lithology, relief and permeability
What is a concordant coast?
where rock strata/ faults run parallel to the coast
What is an example of a concordant coast?
Lulworth Cove (low energy sheltered bay)
What is a discordant coast?
rock type runs perpendicular to the coastline
Example of a discordant coast
Isle of Purbeck, Dorset
