Structural Geology: The Mechanics of Deforming Metamorphic Rocks

by Bruce E. Hobbs, Alison Ord

Overview

Structural Geology is a groundbreaking reference that introduces you to the concepts of nonlinear solid mechanics and non-equilibrium thermodynamics in metamorphic geology, offering a fresh perspective on rock structure and its potential for new interpretations of geological evolution.

This book stands alone in unifying deformation and metamorphism and the development of the mineralogical fabrics and the structures that we see in the field. This reflects the thermodynamics of systems not at equilibrium within the framework of modern nonlinear solid mechanics. The thermodynamic approach enables the various mechanical, thermal, hydrological and chemical processes to be rigorously coupled through the second law of thermodynamics, invariably leading to nonlinear behavior. The book also differs from others in emphasizing the implications of this nonlinear behavior with respect to the development of the diverse, complex, even fractal, range of structures in deformed metamorphic rocks.

Building on the fundamentals of structural geology by discussing the nonlinear processes that operate during the deformation and metamorphism of rocks in the Earth's crust, the book's concepts help geoscientists and graduate-level students understand how these processes control or influence the structures and metamorphic fabrics—providing applications in hydrocarbon exploration, ore mineral exploration, and architectural engineering.

• Authored by two of the world's foremost experts in structural geology, representing more than 70 years of experience in research and instruction
• Nearly 300 figures, illustrations, working examples, and photographs reinforce key concepts and underscore major advances in structural geology

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780124079335
Publisher:	Elsevier Science
Publication date:	11/21/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	680
File size:	51 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

1. Introduction

Part I: THE MECHANICS OF DEFORMING SOLIDS: OVERVIEW OF SECTION A

2. Geometry: The Concept of Deformation

3. Kinematics e Deformation Histories

4. The Balance Laws: Forces Involved in Deformation

5. Energy Flow e Thermodynamics

6. Constitutive Relations

7. Nonlinear Dynamics

Part II PROCESSES INVOLVED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURES: OVERVIEW OF SECTION B

8. Brittle Flow

9. Visco-Plastic Flow

10. Damage Evolution

11. Transport of Heat

12. Fluid Flow

13. Microstructural Rearrangements

14. Mineral Reactions: Equilibrium and Non-equilibrium Aspects

15. Models for Mineral Phase Nucleation and Growth

Epilogue

Appendix A: Commonly Used Symbols

Appendix B: Vectors, Tensors and Matrices

Appendix C: Some Useful Mathematical Concepts and Relations

References

Index

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

A groundbreaking reference that introduces the concepts of nonlinear solid mechanics and non-equilibrium thermodynamics in metamorphic geology, providing a fresh perspective on rock structure and its potential for new interpretations of geological evolution

Editorial Reviews

"...develop the relevant mathematics to describe the forces acting on the rocks and apply them to deformation, fluid flow, thermal transport and mineral reactions…" —ATSE Focus

"A long overdue treatment of the subject, this book is highly recommended and anticipated to become established as a standard reference work." —The Geological Society

From the Publisher