Overview

In this section you will find materials that support the implementation of EarthComm, Section 5: Structural Geology and Your Community.

Learning Outcomes

• Use a model that illustrates how rock layers appear when they are folded.
• Use a model that explains the different ways that rock bodies can move relative to each other along a fault.
• Analyze and interpret structural data on a geologic map and cross section to identify folds and faults in crustal rocks.
• Obtain information about how the formation of folds and faults is connected to plate tectonic processes.

Inquiring Further

1. To learn more about the Grand Tetons in Wyoming, visit the following web sites:

Geology of Grand Teton National Park Wyoming, USGS
Geologic map and cross section of the Grand Teton National Park.

Grand Teton National Park 3D Photo Tour,  USGS
Take an online tour of different parts of the park using image collections.

Geology Field Notes - Grand Teton National Park Wyoming, NPS
Describes the geologic history of the Grand Teton National Park.

The Grand Tetons, Penn State
Describes how geologic structures in the Tetons create unstable slopes.
 

2. To learn more about careers in structural geology, visit the following web site:

Careers in the Geosciences, AGI
Overview of the major geoscience disciplines in which geoscientists work, including structural geology.

Job Sectors Geosciences, Geological Soc London
Learn how structural geology is applied to many different sectors of geologic work.

Resources

To learn more about this topic, visit the following web sites:

Forces in the Earth's Crust

Plate Tectonics, Volcano
View a slide show with color photos and descriptions about plate tectonics. Site includes a list of sample lesson plans, key concepts, references, and activities.

Birth of the Himalaya, NOVA
Learn more about the tallest mountain in the world. This page is part of an entire site dedicated to Mount Everest.

Faults and Folds

Forces in the Earth, Southern California GPS Network
Simple animations of compression, extension, and shear forces and their effects on rocks.

Structural Geology: Folds and Faults, University of Hawaii
High-level presentation that contains very nice graphics and images that simplify the content.

Folds and Faults, Univ of Hawaii
Presentation with good images of faults and folds.

What Is a Geologic Fault?, Windows to the Universe
Overview of normal, reverse, and strike-slip faults.

Fault Map of the United States, USGS
Use this interactive map of faults in the US to find relationships between faults and earthquakes.

What is the HayWired Scenario, USGS
The Hayward fault is part of the San Andreas fault system. Learn about what might happen if it went haywire.

Visual Glossary, USGS
Provides diagrams that show normal, reverse, and strike-slip faults.