Geomorphology / geological

structures

By:

Dr. Amizatulhani Abdullah

Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology
amizatulhani@ump.edu.my
Course Synopsis
01 Definition of geology

02 Earth science

TOPIC
OUTLINE 03 Formation of geological structure

04 Geomorphology / geological structure

Course Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Use science and mathematical knowledge to

determine soil’s basic properties and the
classification.
Lesson Outcome
At the end of this notes, students should be able to:

• Understand the formation of the geological structures

and its effect in construction.
Formation of geological structure

Earth crust undergoes several types of

processes to form geological structures.

 Gradation
 Tectonism
 Volcanism
Geologic structure
JOINT
FAULT Shear fractures in rock
Shear fractures in rock with without significant
significant movement. movement.

FOLD BEDDING
A bend in a layer of Layering of soil.
rock or in another
planar feature.
FOLD
• A bend in a layer of rock or in another planar feature such as foliation or the cleavage of a mineral.

• Folds occur as the result of deformation, usually associated with plate-tectonic forces.

Types of folds :

a) anticline, b) syncline, c) isocline, d) overturned, e) recumbent, f) overthrust

This illustration shows a well that will produce oil and natural gas from an anticline. In this drawing
we can easily see that only a portion of the surface property is directly above the oil and gas
accumulation. The placement of the well is critical for proper development of this reservoir.
BEDDING
• The differences of the soil layer can be
easily observed.

• Layering - mainly characteristic of

sedimentary rocks.

• Happens due to the different settlement

velocity of the soil particles.

• Larger particles will settled first compare to

the smaller particles (after been
weathered).
JOINTS
• Generally tension fractures, or shear
fractures.

• Rock mass ruptured into blocks.

• Joints are a brittle-fracture response to

changes in stress field during history of rock.
FAULTS
• Almost always appear as shear fractures.

• Significant shear movement is evident.

• Faults widespread in almost all kinds of rocks.

Fault Types

• Normal faults - tensional stresses

• Reverse or Thrust faults - compressional

• Strike-Slip (tear) faults - compressional

* Faults are not necessarily aligned with existing planes of weakness.

 THE EFFECT OF GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURES

What kind of geological A B C

structure that you can identify D
from this figure?

Which one of the cases can be proceed for constructing a new road ? WHY ?
THANK YOU