Structural Geology: An Introduction to Geometrical Techniques

Structural Geology: An Introduction to Geometrical Techniques

by Donal M . Ragan (Author)

Synopsis

This combination of text and lab book presents an entirely different approach to structural geology. Designed for undergraduate laboratory classes, it provides a step-by-step guide for solving geometric problems arising from structural field observations. The book discusses both traditional methods and cutting-edge approaches, with emphasis given to graphical methods and visualization techniques that support students in tackling challenging two- and three-dimensional problems. Numerous exercises encourage practice in using the techniques, and demonstrate how field observations can be converted into useful information about geological structures and the processes responsible for creating them. This updated fourth edition incorporates new material on stress, deformation, strain and flow, and the underlying mathematics of the subject. With stereonet plots and solutions to the exercises available online at www.cambridge.org/ragan, this book is a key resource for undergraduates, advanced students and researchers wanting to improve their practical skills in structural geology.

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More Information

Format: Illustrated
Pages: 632
Edition: 4
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 03 Sep 2009

ISBN 10: 0521745837
ISBN 13: 9780521745833
Book Overview: An updated fourth edition of this practical, step-by-step guide for undergraduate students to solving geometric problems in structural geology.

Media Reviews
'The Ragan textbook on Structural Geology: An Introduction to Geometrical Techniques offers a fresh, up-to-date account on modern methods for analysing both brittle and ductile structures. The book is thorough and comprehensive and its advantage over many other books is that it covers the basics in an exhaustive way. It is therefore extremely well suited for undergraduate students, but also for professional Structural Geologists and Academics.' Dr Uwe Ring, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
'This excellent book deals with a multitude of practical methods for structural geologists. These methods range from those appropriate at first year undergraduate level right through to those relevant to graduate research. The various techniques are very clearly explained and are richly illustrated with clear diagrams and worked examples. The new edition represents a significant expansion of earlier ones, and contains something for all structural geologists.' Dr Richard Lisle, Cardiff University
'Donal Ragan's new edition of Structural Geology: An Introduction to Geometrical Techniques is a classic with legs. Retaining all of the approachability and sound advice which has welcomed and guided generations of geologists, the new edition seamlessly incorporates an even stronger quantitative foundation, resplendent with fully integrated examples and exercises. Ragan's new digital illustrations will not disappoint those who admire his clean, unique drawing style, and will illuminate complex geometrical constructs for a new era of geologists.' Professor Patrick Kennelly, Long Island University, New York
'As so much of the content is timeless it is perhaps not so surprising to find the Structural Geology: An Introduction to Geometrical Techniques re-appearing in bookshops. Although many methods can now be performed on commercial software, including i-phone apps, working through the exercises here should be de rigeur for graduating geologists. ... as a reference book, a source for clearly laid out methods - it serves a very useful purpose.' Geological Magazine
'Donal Ragan's new edition of Structural Geology: An Introduction to Geometrical Techniques is a classic with legs. Retaining all of the approachability and sound advice which has welcomed and guided generations of geologists, the new edition seamlessly incorporates an even stronger quantitative foundation, resplendent with fully integrated examples and exercises. Ragan's new digital illustrations will not disappoint those who admire his clean, unique drawing style, and will illuminate complex geometrical constructs for a new era of geologists.' Professor Patrick Kennelly, Long Island University, New York
'The Ragan textbook on Structural Geology: An Introduction to Geometrical Techniques offers a fresh, up-to-date account on modern methods for analysing both brittle and ductile structures. The book is thorough and comprehensive and its advantage over many other books is that it covers the basics in an exhaustive way. It is therefore extremely well suited for undergraduate students, but also for professional Structural Geologists and Academics.' Dr Uwe Ring, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
'This excellent book deals with a multitude of practical methods for structural geologists. These methods range from those appropriate at first year undergraduate level right through to those relevant to graduate research. The various techniques are very clearly explained and are richly illustrated with clear diagrams and worked examples. The new edition represents a significant expansion of earlier ones, and contains something for all structural geologists.' Dr Richard Lisle, Cardiff University
'Like the earlier editions, Ragan's book addresses a number of core methods in structural geology, from essential elements such as the trigonometry for devising true stratigraphic thicknesses to more challenging concepts such as manipulating strain data. Along the way readers are introduced to structure contours and stereographic projection. Rigorous methods of creating block diagrams, documenting variations in 3D structure and calculating the true attitude of planes using drill hole data are also covered. There are lots of careful diagrams and the mathematics, methods and procedures are laid out stepwise. ... The methods are readily applicable to other subsurface datasets, including seismic.' Geological Magazine
Author Bio
Don Ragan was educated at Occidental College, University of Southern California and at the University of Washington at Seattle, receiving his PhD in 1960. He spent a year as a Fulbright scholar at the University of Innsbruck, and later, with a National Science Foundation Fellowship, at Imperial College, London, where he received a Diploma of Membership in Geology (DIC). His teaching career at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and at Arizona State University has spanned a total of 34 years, and has focused on imbuing students with a thorough understanding of geometrical and analytical techniques in structural geology. His research interests centre on the role of structural settings in structure-making processes, including studies of Alpine peridotites, glacial ice and welded tuffs.