GENERAL GEOLOGY

Unit - I
GEOLOGY
Definition:
The sciences that deal with one or more
aspects of the Earth as a planet are grouped
together as Earth science.
Geo-Earth ; Loges science
Earth science Geology
It is the science that deals with the study of
Earth as a whole.
Study of Earth as a Planet
Origin
Hypothesis
Continental drift theory
Palaeo Magnetism
Plate Tectonics
Age
By Radioactivity
Structure
Internal structure
Evolution, modification and Extinction surface and
subsurface features
Mountains
Plateaus
Plains
Valleys
Basins
Caves
Coastal, marine and submarine forms
Deals with the materials making up the Earth
Atmosphere
Lithosphere
Hydrosphere
Biosphere
Considered as fundamental basic science like Physics,
Chemistry, Biology
Branches of Geology
1. Physical Geology - The structural disposition of the rock bodies & huge bodies of
water & ice form other specific subjects of study is physical Geology. It deals with
internal agents (volcanism & earthquake) External agents (wind, water, ice &
atmosphere)
2. Geomorphology - The study of the features of the earth surfaces mainly the land like
mountains, plains, plateaus, valleys & basins.
3. Mineralogy - It deals with formation, occurrence, aggregation, properties & uses of
minerals crystallography branch mineralogy.
4. Petrology - It deals with formation of various types of rocks, their mode of
occurrence, their composition texture, structures, geological & graphical distribution
of rocks. It is subdivided into.
1. Palacogeography
2. Paleontology
3. Stratigiaphy
5. Economic Geology - It deals with study of minerals & rocks which can be exploited
for he benefits of man. These include.
1. Ore Iron, aluminum, copper
2. Non Ore building stones, rock salt, coal, petroleum, Natural gas
In addition,
1. Geochemistry - It is the branch of science that deals with the
chemical constitution of earth as a whole
2. Geophysics - It deals with important physics, processes & methods of
physics applied to solve many geological problems like geomagnetism
geo electrolyze etc.
3. Geo hydrology - It deals with interaction b/w hydrology & geology
4. Mining Geology - It is applied to mining practice
5. Engineering Geology - It deal with interaction b/w civil Engg
practices & geologist
6. Rock Mechanics To check whether the load applied to rock is safe
for the construction
7. Geo mechanics - It is the Newly developing egg. Science which
concern with the study of Natural force fields as acting on the earth
8. Meteorology - The study of atmosphere/weather
9. Oceanography - Deals with oceans
Engineering Geology
EG may be defined as that branch of
applied sciences which deals with the
application of geology for a
safe,
Stable,
economical design & construction of civil
engineering projects
The basic objects are of two fold
It enables a civil engineer to understand Engg.
Implications of certain conditions related to the area of
construction, which are essentially geological in nature.
It enables a geologist to understand the Nature of
geological information which is absolutely essential for a
safe design & construction of a civil engineering projects.
Scope of Geology in Engineering
The major activities of a
professional civil engineering are in
Construction job
Water Resource Development
Town & Regional Planning
I) Geology in construction jobs
In all heavy construction jobs like
Dams & reservoirs
Tower
Tanks
Highways & bridges
Traffic & hydro power tunnels
Embankments & retaining structures
Lining of canals
Laying of drainage pipes etc
We need to have a clear idea about the site, Planning,
Design, Construction.
1) Planning
Topographic Maps
Relief features - essential to understand the merits & demerits
The nature of slopes, depth of valley,
Rate of change to elevation in various directions can be easily
computed.
Hydrological maps
Surface & subsurface water channel, its occurrence & depth.
Geological Maps
Rock types
Structural disposition of rocks
Materials of construction
Exploratory operations (test holes etc.)
Subsurface investigation
ii) Design
The existence of hard bedrocks & their
depth from & inclination with the surface.
The Mechanical properties of the rock
especially compressive, shear & transverse
strength, modulus of elasticity,
permeability & resistance to decay.
iii) Construction
To check the quality control of the
construction materials like sands, gravels,
gushed rocks & soil.
all are best understood in Geological
perspective.
II) Geology in water Resources Development
Water is an basic needs to our life
Water cycle is the term given to the sum total
of water cycle:
evaporation of water from the hydrosphere + its
precipitation in the form of rain & snow + flow
back into the lakes, sea & oceans.
It depends on Surface & subsurface water.
III. Geology in Town & Regional planning
A town planner is concerned with landscape
& its utilization
i.e. maximum benefits with minimum of
disturbancetoNatural environment.
A regional planner is responsible for adopting
an integrated approach in all such cases of
allocation of land for development projects.
Responsibilities of Civil Engineer
Geological mapping
Exploration
Project planning
Hydrological / surface water maps
Hydrogeological maps
Slope stability/landslide/landslip
Hydraulic structure / Dams and Reservoirs
Seismic hazard/seismicity
Environmental Impact Assessment
Civil Engineers and Geologist work together in Major Civil Engg Srtucture
in different levels:
1. Planning
2. Design
3. Construction
4. Maintanence
Geology in other fields
Land evaluation
Oceanography
Space exploration nuclear explosions