NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY

Module DESN10041 Engineering Materials:

Engineering Geology

Rock structures - examples

Introduction

This document should be used in conjunction with the topic “Rock structures –
folds”.

Description of structural geological features

Consider the Principle of Horizontality for the below cross section of layers of
rock that have been deposited. According to the Principle of Superposition,
which layer is youngest?

Layer 1
Layer 2
Layer 3
Layer 4

When describing features or layers in the ground that are not horizontal, the
angle of dip can be stated. In the cross section below, showing a dipping layer
of rick, label the correct angle of dip:

Joints are fractures in rock where there has been no movement along (i.e.
parallel to) the fracture. Faults are fractures in rock where movement along the
fracture has occurred. Label the cross sections below as joints or faults.

Dip-slip faults are faults where vertical movement has occurred. In the cross-
sections below, where movement along a fault line is shown, label whether these
are normal or reverse faults:
NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY
Module DESN10041 Engineering Materials:
Engineering Geology

Geometry of folds

Using terms such as anticline, syncline, symmetrical, asymmetrical and

chevron, how would you describe the cross sections of geological layers shown
below: